Employment Law

Your Guide to the Virginia Wage Payment Act

The Virginia wage payment act is a law that requires employers to pay employees all owed compensation in a timely manner. Essentially, it sets the parameters for how and when employees are paid. This act also allows employees to file suits in court if an employer does not pay wages in accordance with the law. So, if you are dealing with unpaid wages, not being paid on time, or wage theft, an attorney can help you file a suit.

 

Timing

 

The VWPA requires employers to establish regular pay period and rates of pay for employees. Salaried employees must be paid at least once a month and hourly employees must be paid at least once every two weeks, or twice per month. There are some exceptions to this rule.

 

Additionally, when an employee leaves the company, the employer must pay the employee all owed wages or salaries on or before the date the employee would have been paid while employed.

 

Unlawful Withholdings

 

Another protection under the Virginia Wage Payment Act is against unlawful withholding. This means that the employer cannot withhold any part of an employee’s wages or salaries without written and signed authorization from the employee. This does not apply to withholding taxes in accordance with the law.

 

What Can I Do About Wage Issues?

 

If you are facing issues with your wages, you can file a suit in court. This can be done as an individual or group. If you file a suit against your employer for unpaid wages, you can recover the payment of the wages owed, double damages (called “liquidated damages”) and attorney fees. If the court finds that your employer knowingly failed to pay wages, the court can award the employee an amount equal to triple the amount of wages due.

 

Virginia Attorney for Unpaid Wages

 

If you are experiencing issues with wages, you need to speak to an attorney ASAP. The sooner you file your case, the better.

 

If you are in need of an attorney’s advice, please contact Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko today. Our firm has attorneys who specialize in a variety of practice areas. With over 100 years of combined experience, we are seasoned professionals ready to help you.

John C. Cook

Recent Posts

Top Labor Lawyer in Manassas, VA

The terms “Labor lawyers” and “employment lawyers” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite…

6 days ago

Do I Need a Wrongful Termination Lawyer?

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, you need an attorney on your case.…

2 weeks ago

5 Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Arlington and Northern VA

A personal injury claim can be intimidating. Many people in this situation are often facing…

3 weeks ago

Estate Litigation Lawyer – Contesting a Will

Are you considering contesting a will? Then you need a top estate litigation lawyer. Ambiguous…

4 weeks ago

Virginia Transgender Discrimination Lawyer

Workplace discrimination against transgender people violates Virginia law, even if the landscape of federal law…

1 month ago

Fired or Laid Off for DEI Policy? Call John Cook!

Are you a private sector employee working for a federal contractor in Virginia? If you…

1 month ago