Claims for Wages Preferred

When the business of any person, corporation, company or firm is suspended as a result of a writ of execution or attachment or is placed in the hands of a receiver, trustee or assignee for creditors, then in all such cases claims for wages for each claimant an amount per claimant not to exceed one thousand forty

(1040)hours multiplied by the minimum wage in effect on the last day labor was performed by the employee and earned within six 6 months of the date such business is suspended or placed in the hands of a receiver, trustee or assignee for creditors shall be paid in full prior to the payment of taxes or any other debts except a debt secured by a mortgage or security interest duly recorded before the wages were earned.