Dallas, Texas – Texans are being alerted to the fact that approximately $8 million in back wages remain unclaimed, affecting around 12,000 workers across the state. This significant sum has been accumulated from various investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor, uncovering instances where employers have failed to pay their employees adequately.
Unclaimed Wages Awaiting Texas Workers
The discovery of these unclaimed wages has been a focal point of the Department of Labor’s efforts, particularly highlighted by Jesus Valdez, the Dallas District Director. With an average of $662 owed per worker, the impact of this unclaimed money is substantial. North Texas stands out in this situation, with 2,500 workers owed more than $1.6 million in total.
Typically, efforts are made to send the owed wages directly to employees by their employers. However, when workers cannot be located, these funds are deposited into an account managed by the U.S. Department of Labor. Despite rigorous attempts to track down these individuals, any wages unclaimed after three years are transferred to the U.S. Treasury Department, as Valdez noted.
The Department of Labor is calling on all individuals who have worked for a company to check their database to see if they are entitled to any unpaid wages. This call to action applies to both current and former employees and spans across various industries, with a focus on sectors like construction and food services. It’s crucial to understand that all industries and salary levels could potentially be involved in these investigations.
One notable case in Denton reveals the highest number of workers with unclaimed back wages in Texas, owing over $260,000 to 487 employees. Dallas also hosts six of the state’s 50 largest cases of unclaimed wages. Furthermore, the combined unclaimed wages in Tarrant and Collin Counties exceed $620,000.
The identities of employers under investigation remain confidential until the conclusion of the process. Nevertheless, the Labor Department encourages workers to proactively check if they are owed any back wages, emphasizing that these funds are rightfully theirs.
For individuals interested in exploring whether they have unclaimed wages, the Department of Labor has made a database available. This tool is essential for workers seeking to recover earnings that are rightfully owed to them. To access the database, click here.
