As an employee who receives commissions, it is important to understand your rights and protections under the Massachusetts Wage Act. The Wage Act provides various protections to employees in Massachusetts, including provisions related to the payment of commissions.

What is the Massachusetts Wage Act?

The Massachusetts Wage Act is a state law that governs the payment of wages and other compensation to employees in Massachusetts. The law sets forth various requirements that employers must follow in order to properly compensate their employees, including requirements related to minimum wage, overtime pay, and the payment of commissions.

Are Commissions Protected under the Massachusetts Wage Act?

Yes, commissions are protected under the Massachusetts Wage Act. The law requires employers to pay commissions that have been definitely determines and are due and payable. Employers may have commission policies that require employees to be an active employee at the time the commission becomes due in order for it to be payable to the employee, but an employer terminate an employee for the purpose of avoiding the payment of a commission that is otherwise due to the employee.

What Happens if an Employer Violates the Commission Provisions of the Massachusetts Wage Act?

If an employer violates the commission provisions of the Massachusetts Wage Act, the employee may be entitled to various forms of relief. For example, the employee may be entitled to recover three times the amount of commission owed, as well as interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees.

Experienced Massachusetts Employment Attorneys

If you are an employee in Massachusetts who receives commissions and you believe that your employer may have violated the commission provisions of the Massachusetts Wage Act, it is important to speak with an experienced employment attorney. Contact us today to schedule a case evaluation and learn more about your rights and options under Massachusetts and federal law.