What is the penalty for not paying employees the minimum wage?
In Mississippi, employers must pay their employees at least the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour. Employers who do not comply with the minimum wage law will face penalties ranging from fines to jail time. The Mississippi Wage Payment Law states that an employer who willfully or knowingly fails to pay the minimum wage may be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for up to six months, or both. Additionally, employees that suffer a violation of the minimum wage law may be eligible for compensation for the difference between the minimum wage and the wages they were actually paid. Mississippi also has an Unpaid Wages and Unfair Labor Practices Act, which states that employers that unlawfully withhold wages from employees may be subject to action in a civil court and could have to pay twice the amount of the unpaid wages or salary, along with any applicable court costs. Finally, employers that violate the Fair Labor Standards Act can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned up to six months, or both. Overall, employers who do not pay their employees the federal minimum wage may be subject to hefty fines, jail time, and other legal penalties. It’s important for employers to comply with wage laws to avoid potential penalties and ensure their employees are getting the wages they are due.
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