What are the implications of not complying with wage and hour laws?

Not complying with wage and hour laws in Virginia can have serious consequences for employers. Under Virginia labor laws, employers must pay employees a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, pay overtime wages of 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a single workweek, and comply with other laws related to the payment of wages. Failure to comply with these laws can result in serious penalties for employers. The most common penalty faced by employers who do not comply with wage and hour laws is an order to pay their employees the wages they are owed. This is called “back pay.” This can be a significant expense for employers, as it typically includes not only the unpaid wages, but also any additional wages related to overtime or minimum wage laws. Employers who fail to comply with wage and hour laws may also be assessed damages for “liquidated” damages, which are additional damages that are typically equal to the amount of unpaid wages. This can result in employers having to pay twice the amount of unpaid wages owed to the employee. Finally, employers who do not comply with wage and hour laws may also face criminal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. In addition, employers may be subject to civil suits brought by employees. Overall, employers should understand the implications of failing to comply with wage and hour laws in Virginia, as the penalties can be severe. Taking the necessary steps to ensure compliance will help protect employers from costly penalties and legal action.

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