Payment of Wages: Louisiana

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Vicki M. Lambert, The Payroll Advisor

Summary

• Employers that issue checks or other payment devices redeemable in goods or merchandise are liable for their full face value in cash, on demand, on payday notwithstanding any contrary stipulation made by the employer. Penalties are imposed for violations. See Wage Payment Methods.
• Pay frequency requirements apply to employers engaged in manufacturing, oil drilling or mining operations that have at least 10 employees, and all public service corporations. Penalties are imposed for violations. See Pay Frequency.
• Employers generally may not make pay deductions for certain fines or for the cost of certain items that are required as a condition employment. Penalties are imposed for noncompliance. See Permitted and Prohibited Wage Deductions.
• Employers must inform employees when they are hired of the wages they will be paid, the method of wage payment and the frequency of wage payments. Notice must also be provided anytime subsequent changes are made to that information. See Employee Notification Requirements.
• An employer must pay final wages to an employee based on whether the employee resigns or is involuntarily terminated. Pre-existing policy determines whether unused, accrued vacation time must be paid on termination. Violators will be penalized. See Final Pay.
• If an employee dies, the employer may pay any unpaid wages to the deceased's surviving family members in a prescribed order, if certain conditions are met. See Deceased Employee Wages.
• Wages that are unclaimed by an employee for one year are considered abandoned property. The employer must notify the affected employee, file a report and remit the wages to the state according to certain procedures and within a specific time frame. Certain employers must file reports electronically. Penalties are imposed for noncompliance. See Unclaimed Wages.