Photo of Abby Warren

As an attorney in Robinson+Cole’s Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group, I represent manufacturers in all areas of labor and employment law.  This includes discharge and discrimination issues, workplace investigations, affirmative action compliance, employee discipline, wage and hour issues, disability and reasonable accommodation, family and medical leave, unemployment, training, and defense in federal and state court and before administrative agencies. My full firm bio can be accessed here.

I represent manufacturers in the aerospace, consumer goods, machinery and other industries, which involves identifying practical, cost-effective and realistic solutions that prioritize and solidly execute the client’s objectives.  Manufacturers face unique challenges stemming from compliance with ever-changing industry regulations, including those impacting federal contractors.  Early in my career, I toured a client’s facility facing union-related struggles and realized that only through observing the workplace on the ground level can an attorney successfully understand and represent businesses.  As an employment attorney, I work alongside clients as a true partner to further their key personnel and human resources goals, including efficient and safe operations, recruitment and retention of talent, diversity and inclusion, among other issues. Whether advising on a leadership transition or on compliance with wage payment laws, the aim is always the same – to solve problems so clients can focus their attention on doing what they do best - manufacturing.

This article was co-authored by Labor + Employment group lawyer, Christopher Costain.

Workplace issues can arise quickly and take many forms, from complaints of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and bullying to policy and compliance violations related to workplace safety or other employee misconduct. In the post-#MeToo era, it is critically important for employers to be

This article was co-authored by Labor + Employment group lawyer, Christopher Costain.

On May 29, 2026, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed into law comprehensive online safety legislation with significant impacts for employers, which takes effect on October 1, 2026. The law follows in the footsteps of similar legislation enacted recently around the country which creates

This article was co-authored by Labor + Employment group lawyer, Christopher Costain.

In March 2026, a Connecticut bill was signed into law which sets new compliance standards for large warehouse employers that use production quotas and related metrics in assessing worker performance. Once the law goes into effect on July 1, 2026, Connecticut will become

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Christopher Costain.

While employers are typically aware of their obligations to engage in the interactive process in response to reasonable accommodation requests due to disability under federal and state law, employers may not be aware of one specific accommodation request that may be on

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Christopher Costain.

Flu season, which extends into spring, can be a particularly long season for manufacturers, especially when their workforces and workplaces are significantly impacted by the illness. Below are reminders for manufacturers about the various legal implications related to the flu and its

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Rauchell Beckford-Anderson.

Holiday celebrations are meaningful ways to recognize employees’ annual contributions to the company; however, such celebrations can introduce safety, compliance, and cultural challenges. So, as you deck the halls and cue up the playlist, remember: a great party is about more than

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Bryce Simmons.

In a landmark move, Rhode Island has become the first state in the United States to mandate workplace accommodations for employees and applicants experiencing menopause and related medical conditions. The law became effective on June 24, 2025, amending the Rhode Island Fair

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Christopher Costain.

In recent years, certain manufacturers are requiring workers to use wearable technologies at work to increase efficiency and productivity and mitigate health and safety risks. Although the use and application of wearable technology continues to expand and change the manufacturing industry landscape

This post was co-authored by Labor + Employment Group lawyer Christopher Costain.

With fall approaching and school back in session, the end of 2025 is on the horizon. The beginning of the new calendar year serves as an opportune time for manufacturers to revisit their wage and hour practices for compliance with applicable state