In order for the NC Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Bureau to assist an employee with a wage dispute, a complaint must be filed. This state-specific guide covers labor and employment case law, statutes, rules, and regulations that HR professionals and clients often encounterThe law gets a bit trickier, however, when the employee earns tips. You must notify the employer of any wages earned from all sources during the payroll week. What laws govern wages and hours in the workplace? The major federal law governing wages and hours is called the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division Homepage. North Carolina Workers Compensation Act generally covers employees whose injuries arise "out of and in the course of" their employment. NC Workers' Compensation Act: Employers with three or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. North Carolina laws do not require employers to pay employees for reporting or showing up to work if no work is performed.