Action 9 has investigated more than 20 paycheck complaints just this month. There is a federal agency that can help. But getting paid still takes a fight.

(Todd Ulrich) "Everyone here is missing a paycheck?" (workers) "Yes..yes...yes." We talked to a group of ex-employees that all worked at the same Winter Park marketing company.

Francesca Vazquez says she's owed 800 dollars. "They don't know where my paycheck is."

Claude Dixon claims he's missing 3 thousand. "I'm about to lose everything."

Employees we talked to say USA Total Solutions kept postponing payday. The owner disputed how much they're owed, and said it had nothing to do with the economy but said dismissed employees had not returned their badges.

According to the US Labor Department, payday complaints soared this year. It won't disclose exact numbers but managers say they've never seen anything like it. Its Orlando regional office is the place to turn for hourly wage workers who need to file complaints in person.

U-S Labor law can force employers to pay hourly workers. Salaried or commissioned employees rely on state labor law, that regulates when you're paid.

Labor lawyer, Tom Garwood, says it must be paid on the next regular pay day. "There's no allowance that you can skip it or delay it."

State law requires you demand payment by written notice then you can file in court. A painful delay for many who live paycheck to paycheck. "My bills are backed up. No food in the house. I'm in limbo," said Claude Dixon.

According to labor attorneys, a company cannot withhold pay until employees return any kind of property. The workers filed claims with the US Labor Department.