AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) helped working Texans collect $13.5 million in unpaid wages between January of 2009 and March 2011. TWC administers the Texas Payday Law, which requires private employers to provide workers with earned compensation in a complete and timely manner.
“Workers need to be paid for the work they have done,” said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken. “It benefits all employers and all workers when everyone understands and adheres to the law.”
The Texas Payday Law provides an administrative alternative to costly litigation in resolving pay disputes and assists wage claimants in obtaining payment of owed wages. TWC Labor Law investigators annually conduct more than 15,000 wage claim investigations statewide.
“We encourage all Texas workers who feel they have not been paid for work that they’ve done to contact TWC so that we can offer assistance,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton.
Workers who feel their rights have been violated under the Texas Payday Law should fill out a wage claim form and submit it to TWC’s Labor Law division or their nearest workforce center. Labor Law staff also educates the general public about the Texas Payday Law, the Texas Child Labor Law and the Texas Minimum Wage Act through presentations to employer organizations, educational service centers, workforce boards and more.
“Through enforcement of Texas labor laws, TWC can help ensure that all Texas workers are paid what they are owed in a timely manner,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar.
Wage claim forms are available on TWC’s website at www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/lablaw/lablaw.html.  Employers seeking required workplace signs may also access this web site. Both employers and the general public may call (800) 832-9243 with any questions from within Texas or from outside Texas, call (512) 475-2670.