Missing Payroll

[DFP25]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

My employer lost an investor at the end of 2008. They have not been able to make payroll since December 31, but still expect us to work to keep our jobs. Since I have not been paid, I have been unable to pay my rent. My landlord let me slide for January after talking with my employer and being assured that payroll would be caught up my the end of January. But they still have not been able to catch it up. My landlord says he can't let it go two months and says he is going to have to issue a 5 day notice. Is there anything I can do to force my employer to pay up? If they don't pay and I end up being evicted, do I have any recourse to sue my employer for damages associated with losing my home?

[cbg]

You can file a wage claim with the state, or sue in small claims court for your past due wages.

But seriously. If they don't have the money to make payroll, just where do you think the money to pay damages is going to come from?

An old adage about blood and turnips comes to mind.