Companies have a duty to properly compensate their employees under various state, local, and federal laws. These laws include the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (IWPCA), state common law, such as breach of contract, and a myriad of other laws which detail how companies are required to pay employees. As stated in the FLSA, the purpose of these wage laws is to eliminate unfair labor practices because their existence creates a “detriment to the maintenance of the minimum standard of living necessary for health, efficiency, and general well-being of workers,” “burdens commerce and the free flow of goods,” “constitutes an unfair method of competition,” and “leads to labor disputes.” 29 U.S.C. § 202 (a-b); see People ex rel. Dept. of Labor v. MCC Home Health Care, Inc., 339 Ill. App. 3d 10 (2003). Despite these laws, companies continue to improperly pay their employees, often resulting in lower wages for workers. When in doubt, contact a wage and hour attorney to determine whether you may be entitled to unpaid wages.
Common types of unpaid wages claims include:
Click on the above links to learn more about the most common types of unpaid wage claims. When in doubt, contact an employment attorney to discuss your particular situation.