1,600 Indiana Workers Owed $1.2 Million In Back Wages: US Dept of Labor

 

The U.S. Department of Labor found that over 1,600 workers in Indiana are owed a significant amount of back wages totaling more than $1.2 million. This situation arose because some employers failed to properly follow labor laws. To remedy the issue, the Department’s Wage and Hour Division took action to ensure workers received their unpaid wages.

However, a portion of the money has yet to be claimed by the employees it is owed to. There are various reasons workers could not be located, such as changing jobs or residences without updating contact details. Employers also sometimes lack necessary information to reach individuals.

Not wanting the funds to sit unclaimed, the Department of Labor established an online tool called “Workers Owed Wages” or WOW to help workers discover if they have outstanding wages. The straightforward system allows people to check and apply for owed pay through the Department website, available in English and Spanish.

The tool guides users through a short series of questions to see if they are entitled to wages. Qualifying individuals are then directed on obtaining their check. Assistance is also provided in over 200 languages for those needing help.

Given money can only be retained for three years before reverting to the U.S. Treasury, the Department encourages anyone who may be owed back pay, including those aware of others in this situation, to utilize the WOW system soon to claim what is rightfully theirs.