Are penalties absolved if a company pays unpaid benefits in double due to violations of wage laws?

The penalties related to violations of wage laws are not absolved simply by a company paying double the unpaid benefits. The rationale behind this is that penalties are imposed as a form of enforcement of labor laws and to deter future violations. Paying back wages does not eliminate the wrongdoing; thus, penalties remain in place as a consequence for noncompliance with legal standards.

In many jurisdictions, wage laws ensure that employees are compensated fairly and timely. When a violation occurs, penalties serve as an additional measure to hold companies accountable for their actions and ensure compliance moving forward. Paying the owed benefits is a positive step, but it does not negate the original violation or the associated penalties.

Other options imply varying degrees of absolution or appeal that do not accurately reflect most regulatory frameworks. For instance, appealing to the labor board might allow a company to contest a penalty, but it does not automatically absolve them of penalties incurred for prior violations.