Unpaid wage claims in Midland may remain outstanding for years

Midland, TX – When a worker notices that they have not been paid all of their wages, they may be in for a long struggle to try to get the money that is owed to them. It is best for the worker to try to get an accurate accounting of the total outstanding amount, file a formal complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission, and get an employment attorney.

Local news for the Midland Texas area reported on many unpaid wage claims filed with the Texas Workforce Commission and the problems with actually ensuring that the workers get the money they are owed [1].

Many workers in Texas have still not been paid years later

The article focuses on one story of a medical worker who still has several thousand dollars in outstanding wages two years after his unpaid wage claim. He also brought a grievance to get money back for the amount he put on his credit cards after not being paid. The man’s former employer owed approximately $150,000 to several former employees that was unpaid at the time of the news report.

The Texas Workforce Commission responded through their director of communications. The agency can handle complaints as they come in, but they admitted that there is only so much they can do to advocate for unpaid workers. Only about half of the money that the commission ordered companies to pay out since 2013 has actually gone to workers, leaving a gap of about $27 million that remains unpaid.

A significant enforcement problem is when a business closes entirely or goes bankrupt. There is much less the government can do to try to get money from the company in these cases.

Getting paid after a wage complaint

If someone is having trouble getting paid properly, it may be necessary to bring a lawsuit against the employer. It is best to speak with an attorney who focuses on labor law issues and get their advice. The attorney can provide more specific details about what kinds of damages may be available and the chances of actually collecting the money. As a general rule, a worker can expect that following an unpaid wage claim they will be able to receive the full outstanding amount, as well as other damages like interest on late wages.

Wage theft attorneys in Texas

Moore and Associates is a firm that handles labor law matters such as unpaid wages, overtime violations, minimum wage violations, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Anyone who needs to speak with an employment lawyer in the Midland area can contact the firm to learn more.

USAttorneys.com is a service that helps people get in touch with lawyers in their city or state. Anyone who needs assistance with a referral can call 800-672-3103 to get started.

Firm contact info:

Moore & Associates

440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675, Houston, TX 77002

713-222-6775

www.mooreandassociates.net

Sources: