Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

Commission Compensation

If you leave employment in WA state and have earned commissions, that are on a delayed payment schedule (i.e. paid at the end of each quarter) and you leave employment after the quarter is complete but before the payment is issued, is the employer required, by law, to pay you your earned commissions? If so, can you reference the law?


Asked on 2/12/08, 2:20 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ryan Nute Myers & Company, P.L.L.C.

Re: Commission Compensation

If a sales agent is the procuring cause of a sale, he or she is entitled to a commission even if the agent�s employment is terminated before the sale closes. Syputa v. Druck Inc., 90 Wn. App. 638, 645-646, 954 P.2d 279 (1988).

Read more
Answered on 2/12/08, 2:22 pm
Susan Beecher Susan L. Beecher, Atty at Law

Re: Commission Compensation

There's certainly nothing wrong with Ryan Nute's answer. I would also add that RCW 49.46.010 defines "wages" as compensation due to an employee by reason of employment. This should include commissions. I would also add that RCW 49.48.010 requires that all wages be paid to a terminated employee by the end of the next pay period.

Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 2/12/08, 3:27 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in Washington