Bill Summaries: H 826 WAGE THEFT/MISCLASSIFICATION/REMEDIES.

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  • Summary date: Apr 15 2013 - View Summary

    Amends GS 95-25.2 modifying the format of the definitions section and adding subsection (5b) defining employment status, subsection (8a) defining intentional, and subsection (16a) defining willful.

    Amends GS 95-25.13(1) requiring only written (not oral) notification to employees at the time of hiring and upon any material change of (1) the promised wages and basis upon which wages will be calculated; (2) the method, day and place for payment; (3) the full name, mailing address, and telephone number of the employer and the federal and state tax identification number of each employer who is not a natural person; and (4) the employment status of the employee.

    Amends GS 95-25.22 requiring the court to award liquidated damages in an amount equal to twice the amount found to be due to an employee when the employer has violated provisions relating to minimum wage, overtime, or wage payment unless the employer shows the act or omission constituting a violation was in good faith and the employer had reasonable grounds for believing the act or omission was not a violation of this article.

    Amends GS 95-25.22 adding subsection (a2) clarifying liability of an employer found in violation of GS 95-25.13 to be in the form of actual damages, including but not limited to lost wages and benefits plus interest.

    Amends GS 95-25.22 adding subsection (a3) expanding the forms of damages available to employees to include statutory damages of up to $500 per employee per violation.

    Amends GS 95-25.22(d) to require awarding costs and fees and attorneys' fees in addition to a judgment awarded to a plaintiff.

    Amends GS 95-25.22 adding an exception to the statute of limitations for actions arising out of a willful violation. Such actions may be brought within three years. Actions may also be brought within one year after notification to the employee of final disposition by the state of a complaint for the same violation.

    Amends GS 95-25.23 expanding civil penalties to include violations of provisions relating to minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, wage payment, or notification.

    Enacts GS 95-25.23D entitling an employee to enumerated liens for the purpose of wage claims and collections under this Article and outlining perfection and priority of liens. Liens recorded pursuant to subsection (f) take precedence over all other debts, decrees, liens, or mortgages against the employer. A successful action to foreclose a lien pursuant to this section entitles the employee to court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Provides further regulations of the liens.