Unpaid wage and salary disputes

Non-payment of wages is a serious matter and can form the basis of a civil claim against an employer. However, before pursuing a wage claim it is important to understand the legal rights employees have to reclaim unpaid wages, and how the laws in the state of Colorado can help.

• The Colorado Wage Claim Act requires employers in Colorado to pay employees their earned wages in a timely manner.
• Colorado law defines willful non-payment of wages by an employer who has the ability to pay as a criminal misdemeanor.
• Some Colorado municipalities have laws defining non-payment of wages as theft, which gives the police the power to investigate non-payment claims.

Often, employees have been paid less than they think they are owed, but are not sure whether their employer’s conduct is illegal or how to take action. For example, many employees do not know that earned bonuses still have to be paid to them if they quit, or that they have a right to be paid for unused vacation after their employment has ended. Most employees are also unaware of the Wage Claim Act’s requirement for a written demand for payment of wages.

Are you owed unpaid wages?

If you believe your employer is violating Colorado’s wage laws, your first action may be to notify your HR or payroll department of the situation, and raise the matter internally for resolution. To preserve your right to recover penalties under the Wage Claim Act, it is also important to send your employer a written demand for payment of wages within 60 days after your employment ends.

Collection of unpaid wages can be complex, and the assistance of an experienced attorney in resolving these claims can expedite and simplify the process. Fortunately, the Wage Claim Act allows many employees who win their cases to recover their attorney’s fees and substantial penalties from non-paying employers.

If you believe that you have been illegally denied your wages or salary, contact the Law Office of Paul Maxon to schedule your consultation to discuss the best way to handle the situation. We can help develop a strategy to determine the best way to recover your unpaid wages.