Texas – Texans should be aware that there is a significant amount of unclaimed back wages, totaling $8 million. Surprisingly, around 12,000 workers in Texas are unaware that they have money owed to them. These back wages have accumulated from investigations carried out by the U.S. Department of Labor, revealing cases of employers underpaying their employees.
According to Jesus Valdez, the Dallas District Director of the Department of Labor, the unclaimed money holds great importance, with an average amount of $662 per worker. What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is that in North Texas alone, there are 2,500 workers who are owed a total of over $1.6 million.
When employees are unable to be located, the owed wages are usually sent directly to them by employers. However, if the workers cannot be found, the funds are instead deposited into an account held by the U.S. Department of Labor. Valdez highlighted the department’s dedicated efforts to locate these employees. Nevertheless, if the wages remain unclaimed for a period of three years, the money is then transferred to the U.S. Treasury Department.
The Department of Labor urges all individuals who have been employed by a company to review their database to determine if they are entitled to any unpaid wages. This is applicable to both current and former employees. The department conducts investigations across a wide range of industries, with a particular emphasis on areas such as construction and food services. However, it is important to note that all industries and salary levels are included in their scope.
In terms of specifics, an employer in Denton has the highest number of workers with unclaimed back wages in the state. They owe over $260,000 to 487 employees. In Dallas, six out of the 50 biggest cases in the state have been identified. Additionally, in Tarrant and Collin Counties, the combined amount of unclaimed wages is over $620,000.
The Labor Department keeps the employers involved in investigations confidential until the process is completed. However, they strongly encourage workers to take the initiative and verify if they are owed any wages. They emphasize that these wages are rightfully earned by the workers.
To access the database for Workers Owed Wages, click here