Wage and Labor Law Complaint Instructions

Wage and Labor Law Complaint Instructions

What is a Wage Complaint?

A wage complaint is a written complaint filed with the Division of Labor against your current or former employer for unpaid wages or labor law violations that are within the Division's jurisdiction.

Can I file a Wage Complaint with the Division?

YES

The Division may have the authority to assist you on the following issues:

NO

The Division does not have authority to assist you on the following issues:

Non-payment of wages for work performed in Colorado
Minimum wage violations
Unauthorized deductions from wages
Non-payment of overtime in certain industries
Non-payment of vacation earned in accordance with an employer's policy
Dishonored (bounced) paycheck
Tip or gratuity disputes

If you are unsure whether your complaint is within the Division's authority, contact us at:

(303) 318-8441 or 1-888-390-7936

Independent contractor pay disputes
Wrongful termination
Discrimination
Harassment or abusive treatment
Expense reimbursements
Employment references; slander or libel
Access to personnel or medical records
Government or school district employee disputes
Severance pay
Sick pay
Pay disputes where an employer has filed for bankruptcy or has been seized by a creditor
Health or life insurance coverage
401K, pension, or savings accounts
Taxes

How do I file a wage complaint?

The Division only accepts complaints in writing or electronically. Please complete the Request for Mediation form and answer all questions. If your claim is not completed, the process may be delayed. If you believe your employer owes you wages for work performed as an employee within the state of Colorado, and you wish for the Division to assist you in recovering the unpaid wages, you may file a complaint by filling out the Request for Mediation form.

How do I include supporting documentation?

You may mail, fax, or email all supporting documents to the Division. Attach supporting documentation that may substantiate your complaint, such as copies of checks, timecards, pay statements, employment contracts, policies, or handbooks. On all pages of your documents, please include your name and the name of the employer you are filing the complaint against.

Mailing address:
Colorado Division of Labor
633 17th Street, Suite 200
Denver, Colorado 80202-3611
Fax: (303) 318-8400
Email: cdle_labor_standards@state.co.us (cdle_labor_standards@state.co.us)

Confidentiality: May I file a complaint anonymously?

Yes, however, if you are filing a wage claim anonymously be sure no personal information is included in your complaint. The Division may not release information to you once you have filed an anonymous complaint.

What is the next step after I've filed a complaint?

Once a complaint is received by the Division, it is assigned to a compliance officer and given a claim number. The complaint is reviewed to determine if it is within our authority. If there appears to be a violation, the compliance officer will typically contact the business via letter requesting a response in writing from your employer. The compliance officer will NOT contact you at this stage of the process unless additional information is necessary.

Length of the investigation: How long can an investigation take?

The Division of Labor attempts to resolve issues as quickly as possible. We do not provide a specific timeframe for investigating your dispute. In general, the time it takes to resolve or complete an investigation depends on the complexity of each complaint and other factors. The Division cannot guarantee a resolution concerning your complaint, but will notify you of the outcome.

What can I do to speed up the process?

Answer all questions on the Request for Mediation form accurately and provide a detailed explanation where necessary. Incomplete forms will be returned to you.
It is important that you provide all information in detail and supply supporting documentation with your initial written complaint. Failure to supply information may result in delays.
Attach copies of any supporting documentation. Do NOT send originals.
Contact the Division immediately if your address or contact information changes.

What is the status of my complaint?

The Division of Labor does not provide progress updates on complaints. If you receive payment or have resolved the issue with the employer, please contact the Division with the date, check number (if applicable), amount, or other information.

How do I know the outcome?

The Division will notify you of the outcome of your complaint using the contact information you have provided. If the Division cannot resolve your complaint, we will provide you with information regarding other options available. You may wish to pursue the dispute in court, where a judge may assess penalties for non-payment of wages.

Additional questions?

Contact us via phone at 303-318-8441 or 1-888-390-7936 (toll free) or email us at: cdle_labor_standards@state.co.us (cdle_labor_standards@state.co.us). Our office is located at 633 17th Street, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado 80202-3611

File the complaint.

By signing the Request for Mediation you are agreeing to the following:

I have been notified and understand that any person providing false information to the Division of Labor in order to obtain and/or retain anything of value may be subject to criminal prosecution under the laws of the State of Colorado with possible penalties of imprisonment, fines, or both.
I hereby certify that this is a true statement of monies owed, and authorize the Division of Labor to investigate and assist in this matter.
I understand that the Division of Labor does not guarantee a resolution to this dispute, and that I may have to pursue the matter further in court, with an attorney, with another agency, or through other methods.
I also understand that any information supplied to the Division may be provided to the employer, the agents of the employer involved in the dispute, and other agencies or individuals as the Division deems appropriate.

Request for Mediation: Wage and Labor Law Complaint Form (online submission)
Request for Mediation: Wage and Labor Law Complaint Form (printable)