Q: How many wage theft claims were filed with the Maryland Department of Labor in FY 2012?

A: 887

Employee can collect unpaid wages in Maryland using the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law. There are three ways to enforce the Law:

1.  By filing a lawsuit.

2.  By filing an administrative complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR).  There were 887 such claims filed in FY 2012.    

3. By filing a criminal complaint for a willful violation (though these claims are almost always left to the civil process).

DLLR will typically direct employees with larger claims to hire private lawyer.  A private lawyer will want to be compensated for his or her efforts; the DLLR serves the public without a fee.