Farm Labor Contractor Practice Test

What is the timeframe for paying unpaid wages for employees who are discharged?

1. They can be paid at any time within a month

2. Payment is due immediately at the time of discharge

3. Employees must wait 24 hours for payment

4. Payments are scheduled for the next payroll period

The correct answer is: Payment is due immediately at the time of discharge

Payment is due immediately at the time of discharge because labor laws in many jurisdictions mandate that when an employee is terminated, they must receive their final paycheck without delay. This ensures that workers are not left waiting for compensation after losing their job, which can be particularly distressing and financially challenging for them. Immediate payment protects the rights of employees and reinforces the obligation of employers to adhere to labor regulations. Other options do not align with these legal requirements. For instance, the idea that payment could be postponed to within a month or scheduled for the next payroll period does not meet the standards for timely remuneration upon discharge. Similarly, suggesting that employees must wait 24 hours contradicts the principle of immediate compensation that labor laws aim to uphold.