Sales executive Fiona White sues IBM over $1 million bonus

AN IBM employee on a salary of $295,000 is suing the company because it only paid her half of the $1 million bonus she says she is owed.

IBM sales executive Fiona White says she is still owed $478,000 in commissions.

AN IBM employee on a salary of $295,000 is suing the company because it only paid her half of the $1 million bonus she says she is owed.

Fiona White, a sales executive, has worked for IBM in Melbourne since October 2010 and is suing the company for loss and damage, according to a statement of claim filed in the Federal Court.

Ms White's lawyers said on top of her $295,000 salary she was entitled to commissions "depending on her exertions and work levels", Fairfax reported.

Ms White said she achieved recognisable revenue of $US9.1 million, well above her set target of $US900,000, and was owed a bonus of more than $1 million.

The statement of claim said Ms White had been paid $543,000 but was still owed $478,000.

Barrister Anna Forsyth told the Federal Court: "The applicant was placed on an incentive plan, which essentially involved her reaching a certain quota, and upon doing so being eligible for a certain amount of bonus".

The hearing has been moved to the Federal Circuit Court where it will continue in 2014.

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