Opinion ID: 1862413
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: morris' cross-appeal

Text: On cross-appeal, Morris contends that the district court erred in failing to assess either an amount equal to the judgment or two times the amount of the judgment pursuant to § 48-1232. Section 48-1232 provides: If an employee establishes a claim and secures judgment on such claim under section 48-1231:(1) An amount equal to the judgment may be recovered from the employer; or (2) if the nonpayment of wages is found to be willful, an amount equal to two times the amount of unpaid wages shall be recovered from the employer. Any amount recovered pursuant to subdivision (1) or (2) of this section shall be placed in a fund to be distributed to the common schools of this state. We have previously held that under § 48-1232, it is discretionary with the court whether to order the employer to pay to the common school fund an amount equal to the judgment. Suess v. Lee Sapp Leasing, 229 Neb. 755, 428 N.W.2d 899 (1988). Section 48-1232 should not be invoked where there is a reasonable dispute as to the fact that wages are owed or as to the amount of the wages. Id. The district court correctly declined Morris' request to have Rochester pay an amount equal to or double the amount of the judgment. There were factual issues as to whether Morris had procured contracts and, if he had, whether those contracts constituted orders on file.