§ 28-14-4. Payment on separation by employer.
(a) Whenever an employee separates or is separated from the payroll of an employer, the unpaid wages or compensation of the employee shall become due on the next regular payday and payable at the usual place of payment.
(b) Whenever an employee separates or is separated from the payroll of an employer after completing at least one year of service, any vacation pay accrued or awarded by collective bargaining, written or verbal company policy, or any other written or verbal agreement between the employer and employee shall become wages and payable in full or on a prorated basis with all other due wages on the next regular payday for the employee.
(c) Whenever an employer separates an employee from the payroll as a result of the employer liquidating the business, merging the business, disposing the business, or removing the business out of state, all wages become immediately due and payable within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of separation at the usual place of payment. Additionally, if the employee has completed at least one year of service with the employer, holiday pay, vacation pay in full or on a prorated basis, and insurance benefits due the employee under a collective bargaining agreement, company policy, or other agreement between the employer and employee shall be considered as unpaid wages due and payable within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of separation at the usual place of payment.
History of Section.P.L. 1941, ch. 1669, § 2; P.L. 1942, ch. 1237, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-14-4; P.L. 1959, ch. 139, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 306, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 84, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations
Chapter 28-14 - Payment of Wages
Section 28-14-1. - Definitions.
Section 28-14-2. - Payment of wages — Form of payment — Establishment of regular paydays.
Section 28-14-2.1. - Statement of earnings.
Section 28-14-2.2. - Frequency of payment.
Section 28-14-3. - Deduction and payment of union dues.
Section 28-14-3.1. - Payroll deductions.
Section 28-14-3.2. - Deductions not authorized.
Section 28-14-4. - Payment on separation by employer.
Section 28-14-5. - Payment in event of industrial dispute.
Section 28-14-6. - Payment of wages of deceased employees.
Section 28-14-6.1. - Priority of wages due from employer in receivership or insolvency proceedings.
Section 28-14-7. - [Repealed.]
Section 28-14-8. - Payment of undisputed amounts in wage disputes.
Section 28-14-9. - Effect of private agreements — Payment of bonuses.
Section 28-14-10. - Wage deductions unaffected.
Section 28-14-10.1. - Payment of wages directly to employee’s account in financial institution.
Section 28-14-10.2. - Deduction of premium for prepaid legal services.
Section 28-14-11. - Wages held as garnishee.
Section 28-14-12. - Employment records.
Section 28-14-13. - Inspection powers.
Section 28-14-14. - Obstruction of enforcement.
Section 28-14-15. - Subpoena powers.
Section 28-14-16. - Compelling obedience to subpoenas.
Section 28-14-17. - Penalty for violations.
Section 28-14-17.1. - Administrative assessment.
Section 28-14-18. - [Repealed.]
Section 28-14-18.1. - [Repealed.]
Section 28-14-18.2. - [Repealed.]
Section 28-14-18.3. - Collective bargaining.
Section 28-14-18.4. - Extension of protection.
Section 28-14-19. - Enforcement powers and duties of director of labor and training.
Section 28-14-19.1. - Misclassification of employees.
Section 28-14-19.2. - Private right of action to collect wages or benefits and for equitable relief.
Section 28-14-19.3. - Protection from retaliation.
Section 28-14-20. - Filing of claims.
Section 28-14-21. - Acceptance of claims of nonresidents for collection.
Section 28-14-22. - Duties of attorney general.
Section 28-14-23. - Assignment of wage claims to director — Prosecution of actions.
Section 28-14-24. - Setoff of money owed by employee to employer.
Section 28-14-25. - Court costs.
Section 28-14-26. - Service of process.
Section 28-14-27. - Attachment of property.
Section 28-14-28. - Garnishee’s fees.
Section 28-14-29. - Order of payment of fees and claims.