Shamini 
(C): Twitter
The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) has returned over 2.5 million dollars in unpaid wages to workers from around the state, providing justice that workers have been waiting for in very important industries. The recoveries follow formal investigations performed by the Wage and Hour Bureau, a division of NCDOL, that is responsible for investigating employers’ compliance with the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act.
The wages that were recovered were the result of thousands of complaints consisting of a variety of infractions ranging from unpaid final paychecks, unpaid commissions, threats issued to employees to withhold overtime amounts and improper deductions. These cases come from many different sectors including construction, retail, hospitality, health care and manufacturing.
Commissioner Stands Up for Workers
Labor Commissioner Luke Farley insisted on the importance of fair pay, stating, “The people of North Carolina work hard and deserve every penny they’ve earned. This $2.5 million represents justice for families struggling with rent, food, and planning for the future.” Also, he stressed the department’s commitment to protecting workers when employers don’t pay their fair wages.
Support for Employers and Workers
Along with enforcing wage laws, NCDOL offers training, assistance and materials to help employers identify and comply with their responsibilities under existing wage and hour laws. North Carolina workers who believe they are being underpaid or exploited are encouraged to file a complaint with NCDOL.
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