Today (Thursday) I found out that the company I work for has shut down. I got paid weekly was told that tomorrow I won't have a check coming for the hours I worked last week (32). I also won't be getting a check next week for the hours I've worked this week (21) Do you know of the legalities of this? I wasn't fired and I didn't quit, company "shut down".
Legally, you must be paid for all hours actually worked. In addition, employee wages take top priority in distributing the assets of a bankrupt company. That said, if the company has actually shut down, it is likely to take a while before assets can be converted to cash so wages can actually be paid.
The company owes you your wages. However, if the company declares bankruptcy, you have to compete with the other people the company is in debt to to get your money...and ultimately there won't be enough to satisfy everyone's debts.