In light of recent events at Shipman's Family Home Care where employees weren't paid in 3 weeks, News 2 looked into what employees at any company can do if they don't get paid.
We called the Department of Labor and asked these questions:
Q) What are my rights as an employee, as it comes to getting paid regularly, on time?
A) Employees must receive their pay on the regularly scheduled payday, which cannot be less than monthly.
Q) If there have been issues with bounced checks from that employer, can the employee ask/demand their payment in another form (cash or money order)?
A) Employees can request another form of payment but cannot demand it. An employer whose checks have bounced would be in violation of the Wage and Hour Act of North Carolina.
Q) What is the best way to file a complaint?
A) Call our toll-free number: 1-800-NC-LABOR (1-800-625-2267).
According to the Department of Labor, in the last fiscal year they answered 65,000 calls and filed 5,190 complaints.
If you plan to call their 800 number, you'll need the following information:
- Employer's name
- Employer's address
- Phone number
- Rate of pay
- Hours worked
- Amount owed
After a complaint has been filed, the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Bureau will do an investigation and try to get the employer to pay the wages. If they can't get the wages for them, the employee will be notified that they can pursue legal action or continue to file with the Attorney General's Office.