(4) When distributing the assets of a society under this section, the liquidator shall pay, in priority to the claims of the creditors of the society, the wages or salaries of all persons, other than directors, employed by the society at the time of the commencement of the obligation or within one month before, not more than 3 months' wages or salary, and those persons are entitled to rank as creditors of the society for any residue of the claims.