RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) — The North Carolina Department of Labor says it secured a record $889,640 in monetary relief for workers during state fiscal year 2026.

Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced the total, which is the highest annual recovery in the history of the department’s Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Bureau.

The bureau investigates complaints filed under the Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act, commonly known as REDA. The law protects workers from retaliation for legally protected activities, including reporting workplace safety concerns, filing workers’ compensation claims and making wage-and-hour complaints.

The record total includes settlements and other monetary relief obtained through investigations, mediation and conciliation. Depending on the case, workers may receive compensation for lost wages, lost benefits and other economic losses.

Farley said the recovery represents meaningful relief for North Carolinians who stood up for their workplace rights. He said workers should not have to fear losing a job or paycheck for reporting unsafe conditions or exercising a right protected by law.

Workers who believe they experienced unlawful retaliation generally must file a written complaint with the bureau within 180 days of the alleged action. More information is available at labor.nc.gov or by calling 1-800-NC-LABOR, which is 1-800-625-2267.