What are the rights of employees with respect to unpaid wages?
In West Virginia, employees have the right to receive payment for the work they have completed. If their employer fails to pay them for their work, employees have the right to seek unpaid wages or wages due. Employees in West Virginia can file a complaint with the state’s Department of Labor and ask that their employer comply with the law and provide their due wages. The Labor Department can work with the employer to resolve the complaint and ensure that the employee has been paid all of their due wages. Additionally, if the employer refuses to comply, the Labor Department can prosecute them for wage theft. Employees may also file a civil suit in West Virginia’s state court and seek unpaid wages, reimbursement for damages, and additional court costs. However, before going to court, a claim must be filed with the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. If the Commission is unable to resolve the issue, an employee can pursue a civil lawsuit. Employees may also be eligible to receive assistance from the West Virginia Economic Justice Project. This organization helps workers who are unable to collect payment for their work. They assist in creating and filing legal paperwork, and in some instances, the Project may offer financial help. Finally, employees may be able to seek repayment of their wages as a debt collection. Under the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act, the employee may request that the court award them the unpaid wages, interest, and court costs.
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