# Subtitle 6 – Penalties and Fines

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 6-1 Interest on unpaid wages.

Balt., Md., Code art. 11, § 6-1 (2026)

(a) Any employer who commits a violation of any of the provisions of this Division I shall be liable to the employee or employees affected:

  (1) in the amount of their unpaid minimum wages, wages due, or overtime compensation, as the case may be; and

  (2) an additional amount of 10% per annum interest on unpaid minimum wages, wages due, or overtime compensation.

(b) Such interest shall be calculated from the date of the violation resulting in the unpaid minimum wage, unpaid wages due, or unpaid overtime compensation until the date said monies are actually paid to the aggrieved employee.

*History: Ord. 90-601*

## § 6-2 Fines.

Balt., Md., Code art. 11, § 6-2 (2026)

Any employer or employee who violates this Division I shall forfeit and pay to the City of Baltimore a penalty as follows:

(1) for a 1<sup>st</sup> offense, $250 for each violation;

(2) for a 2<sup>nd</sup> offense, $500 for each violation; and

(3) for each subsequent offense, $1,000 for each violation.

*History: Ord. 64-370*

*History: Ord. 90-601*

*History: Ord. 08-084*

## § 6-3 Actions by employee.

Balt., Md., Code art. 11, § 6-3 (2026)

(a) Nothing contained in this Division I shall be in any way construed to limit or abridge any rights possessed by any employee at common law, by statute, or by ordinance to bring a civil action to redress underpayments of wages.

(b)

  (1) Any employee who is aggrieved by underpayment or other violations of this Division I shall be entitled to bring such an action, and to recover therein such costs and reasonable counsel fees as the Court may allow.

  (2) Any agreement between such employee and his employer to work for less than the minimum wage prescribed therein is invalid and shall be no defense to such action.

  (3) Proceedings before the Wage Commission shall not be considered a precondition to such civil action.

*History: Ord. 64-370*

*History: Ord. 70-798*

*History: Ord. 78-778*

*History: Ord. 90-601*