When Are Wages Earned?

The Massachusetts wage statute does not define the term “earned.” Generally, courts have determined that the word “earned” reflects that the work has been actually performed. With respect to commissions, they are earned when they are “definitely determined” and “due and payable.” Commissions meet these criteria if all contingencies that must occur for the employee to receive the commissions have occurred and the amount due can be precisely ascertained.
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