The Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) announces the successful recovery of $1,145,704.43 in unpaid wages for Fiscal Year 2023. This achievement underscores ODOL’s steadfast commitment to ensuring fair compensation for workers throughout the state.

“This accomplishment highlights our continuous efforts to safeguard the rights of Oklahoma’s workforce,” stated Leslie Osborn, Commissioner of Labor. “We remain dedicated to enforcing labor laws and holding accountable those who fail to pay their employees what they rightfully deserve.”

Key highlights from ODOL’s wage recovery efforts during Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024) include:

• Total Amount Recovered: $1,145,704.43 -Wages: $562,361.89 – Damages: $84,179.51

• Number of Cases Resolved: 404 claimants received payment of wages, and 59 claimants additionally received liquidated damages.

• Highest single collection of wages: This claim between an executive employee and industrial employer who disputed the worker’s wages and bonus was the single largest wage collection during the past year. The employee was paid $160,769.23 (including unpaid wages and bonuses) after his wage claim was investigated and documented by ODOL.

Wage theft takes various forms, such as paying below minimum wage, denying overtime pay, or engaging in offthe- clock work. Even seemingly minor infractions can significantly impact workers’ livelihoods, reinforcing the critical importance of ODOL’s enforcement actions.

David Bryan, Assistant General Counsel and Director of the Employment Standards Division emphasized the broader economic impact of wage recoveries, “The economic impact of wages being paid cannot be understated. Workers receiving their wages allow them to pay for rent and utilities, feed their children, and provide for their families. This circulation of income further strengthens and grows our state’s economy. Wages paid to workers benefit all Oklahomans.”

The Oklahoma Department of Labor continues to prioritize wage recovery initiatives to uphold fair labor practices statewide. For more information on wage recovery efforts or to report wage violations, visit https://oklahoma. gov/labor/workplacerights/ wage-hour.html . Employees that think they have not received wages owed to them can file a wage claim online to initiate the process.

The Oklahoma Department of Labor is tasked with promoting and enforcing labor laws in the state, ensuring safe working conditions, and fostering a fair labor market environment for both employers and employees.