RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) has successfully recovered more than $2.5 million in unpaid wages for workers across the state, marking a significant victory for employee rights under the leadership of Labor Commissioner Luke Farley.
Major Recovery Effort Spans Multiple Industries
The substantial wage recovery represents the culmination of thousands of investigations conducted by NCDOL’s Wage and Hour Bureau. The cases encompassed a broad spectrum of wage violations affecting workers in construction, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
Violations addressed by the department included:
- Unpaid final paychecks
- Withheld commissions
- Overtime payment shortfalls
- Improper wage deductions
Enforcement Actions Provide Long-Awaited Relief
Many of the affected workers had been waiting months or even years to receive compensation they were legally owed. Through thorough investigations, negotiations, and enforcement actions, NCDOL’s Wage and Hour Bureau was able to secure back wages under the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act.
“The people of North Carolina work hard, and they deserve to be paid every penny they’ve earned,” said Labor Commissioner Luke Farley. “My job — and the job of this department — is to stand up for workers when promises aren’t kept. This $2.5 million represents justice for families who rely on those wages to pay rent, put food on the table, and plan for their future.”
Proactive Compliance Support for Employers
Beyond enforcement activities, NCDOL maintains a proactive approach to preventing wage violations. The department provides comprehensive support to employers, including training programs, guidance materials, and direct assistance to help businesses understand their legal obligations and maintain compliance with wage and hour laws.
Workers Encouraged to Report Violations
The department continues to encourage North Carolina workers who suspect wage violations to come forward. The complaint process remains confidential, and state law provides protection against employer retaliation for workers who file complaints.
Common issues that warrant reporting include:
- Unpaid hours worked
- Missing bonuses or commissions
- Overtime calculation errors
- Other compensation concerns
How to Get Help
Workers who believe they have not received proper compensation can file complaints through the North Carolina Department of Labor. More information and complaint filing resources are available at www.labor.nc.gov.
The $2.5 million recovery demonstrates the department’s ongoing commitment to protecting worker rights and ensuring fair compensation across North Carolina’s diverse economy.
