What are the consequences of not paying employees the minimum wage?

If employers in Washington do not pay their employees the minimum wage, they could face serious consequences. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is responsible for enforcing the state’s minimum wage. They can investigate violations and when they do, they may order wages to be paid, fines to be paid, or both. Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage in Washington may have to pay back wages and interest to employees. They could also have to pay fines of up to $1,000 per violation. Additionally, the employer could face civil penalties of up to $500 per employee per violation if the wages are unpaid for more than 45 days. Furthermore, employers may be held personally liable for the violation. This means they are responsible for not only the wages due to the employees, but also for any additional costs incurred as a result of the violation, such as attorney fees. Finally, employers could face criminal penalties for nonpayment of wages. This can include a misdemeanor conviction or even a felony charge. If found guilty, employers could face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Clearly, the consequences of not paying employees the minimum wage in Washington can be severe. Employers who violate the law face strict penalties, which can have serious financial and legal ramifications for them.

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What are the consequences of not paying employees the minimum wage?

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