Dear Amy: I work for a small spa. Over the last eight years my family and the owners’ family have become friends.

We have young children who play together.

The business owner recently confided that he and his wife have been breaking the law by not paying employees an hourly minimum wage, in addition to time booked with clients.

This has been happening for several years, and I am legally owed $9,000 to $10,000 of back pay.

Although the owners made everything legit, they have made no mention of paying me this owed money.

The other employees are not aware that they are also owed money.

I spoke with a lawyer and although by law the money is owed to me, I will have to take the business to court — or try to settle.

I am so torn. I feel betrayed by my boss/ friend but sort of obligated to tell my co-workers. They are owed money, too.

I’m not sure I can even remain friends or work for this company anymore. I have caught them lying to other employees. Should I ask my bosses/friends for the cash?

Should I inform the other employees? — Rubs Me Wrong!

Dear Wrong: You should pursue the back pay owed to you, following your lawyer’s advice (a letter from the lawyer might inspire the business owners to avoid court and offer you a fair settlement).

You should assume that your friendship is over and proactively look for a position at a different business, in case you decide to part company.

In terms of notifying the other employees, the letter from your lawyer to the spa owners might include a sentence strongly suggesting that they take steps to restore back pay to all of their employees. Your lawyer might decide to contact the other employees independently, gathering a few more clients and billable hours along the way.

The business owners should assume that all of the employees will find out about this. The spa’s own lawyer will advise them on how to settle, deal with any penalties and continue to stay in business legitimately.