What are the rights of employees with respect to unpaid wages?

Employees in Virginia have a right to receive unpaid wages that they are due. Employers must pay employees the wages they have earned for work performed. This includes any wages that may be owed due to overtime or regular pay. Employees have the right to pursue unpaid wages through civil court if employers fail to pay them the wages they are due. Employees may also file a complaint with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry if the wages they are owed remain unpaid. This is known as the Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Law A complaint can be filed if an employer does not pay wages in the manner specified by the contract, including any delinquent wages, overtime wages, or final wages due upon termination. Employees are also protected from any retaliatory actions taken by the employer for filing a claim. Employers cannot punish an employee for filing a claim for unpaid wages. This includes attempts to intimidate, threaten, or harass the employee. Employees have the right to contact an attorney if they are owed unpaid wages. An attorney can explain the state and federal laws that protect employees’ rights in order to pursue unpaid wages. Depending on the amount owed, an employee may be able to bring legal action to recover wages, including liquidated damages and attorney’s fees.

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