New Colorado Wage Law Expands Enforcement Methods and Coverage

Employees in Colorado will have increased rights under the state’s Wage Protection Act of 2014. The law has been expanded to give the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) more power to pursue wage claims on behalf of the employee. The new law also includes the expansion of the state’s wage payment law to include additional types of claims. Both changes are great news for employees in Colorado and they apply to nearly every private employer in the state.

Significantly, an employee who has not been paid minimum wage can now recover attorneys’ fees in addition to the unpaid wages and costs. Employers are now also subject to a recordkeeping requirement and employees are allowed access to these records.

Furthermore, under the old law, employees were required to make a complaint within 60 days if they were not paid their wages. However, from January 1, 2015, employees have two years to file a complaint and wages can be recovered from the date the wages were owed. In addition, the CDLE now have the power to fine employers if they do not pay all earned wages.

If you have any questions about the wage laws in Colorado or in your state, please contact us today.