When businesses violate the rights of workers, employees may need to take legal action to address that issue. Workers can file lawsuits over contract violations or discrimination. They can also pursue wage and hour lawsuits in cases where employers do not pay them what they should.
Wage and hour litigation may follow violations of minimum wage and overtime pay rules. Workers may also file wage and hour lawsuits in cases where employers violate the details of employment contracts regarding worker compensation.
For those in sales positions, commissions might be part of their pay. Others might be eligible for bonuses occasionally. Can workers take legal action if employers fail to pay commissions and bonuses as promised?
Employers should uphold contracts
If a worker’s employment contract includes terms that might make them eligible for bonuses or if they receive commissions to supplement their base pay, their employers have an obligation to uphold those promises. Contractual bonuses are non-discretionary bonuses that are part of a worker’s wages, provided that they meet the standards included in the contract.
Commissions are also typically a part of a worker’s pay. Both arrangements outlined in contracts or in company-wide communications intended to motivate better job performance can make employers liable for promised bonuses and commissions. Workers denied commissions or bonuses may need to read contracts, employee handbooks or company-wide emails to validate that they met the requirements for the promised additional compensation.
Reviewing pay records and information about potential bonuses or commissions with a skilled legal team can help workers identify when employers may have violated their pay rights. A wage and hour lawsuit can help workers secure the commissions or bonuses they deserve after meeting employer standards.