ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina Department of Labor has released an analysis of the complaints handled by its Wage and Hour Bureau following the July 31 announcement that more than $2.5 million in unpaid wages was recovered for workers statewide.
From July 2024 through June 2025, the Wage and Hour Bureau investigated more than 1,600 complaints spanning 87 counties and 31 industries across North Carolina.
In Buncombe County alone, 34 complaints were filed, leading to the recovery of $27,818.69. 828newsNOW is trying to confirm the identities of the businesses involved in those complaints.
The recovered wages were the result of investigations into thousands of claims, which included issues such as unpaid final paychecks, withheld commissions, overtime discrepancies and improper deductions. These violations affected workers in key sectors, including construction, retail, hospitality, health care and manufacturing.
“This detailed breakdown reveals just how widespread wage violations are — touching workers in every corner of our state and spanning a broad spectrum of industries,” Labor Commissioner Luke Farley said in a news release. “At the NC Department of Labor, our mission is clear: to stand up for every worker, no matter their job or location, and ensure they receive every dollar they’ve rightfully earned. This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about justice for families who depend on their promised pay to build their lives, pay rent and put food on the table.”
Key findings:
- 1,600+ complaints filed
- 87 counties reported complaints
- Violations occurred across 31 industries
Top industries by complaint volume:
- Retail
- Eating Establishments
- Construction
- Medical
- Transportation
Top 10 counties by complaints and recoveries:
- Wake: 270 — $786,971.08 recovered
- Mecklenburg: 248 — $326,898.18 recovered
- Durham: 68 — $163,351.92 recovered
- Forsyth: 70 — $135,630.17 recovered
- Guilford: 101 — $98,483.64 recovered
- Brunswick: 20 — $74,285.97 recovered
- New Hanover: 41 — $60,680.01 recovered
- Cabarrus: 40 — $50,192.52 recovered
- Alamance: 19 — $45,948.76 recovered
- Lincoln: 14 — $40,889.93 recovered
Find a full county-by-county and industry-by-industry breakdown of complaints here.
