Eakins v. Hanna Cylinders

Plaintiff, hired as plant manager per letter of agreement with minimum term employment 24 months, was terminated after 14 months, and filed suit for wages due and owing pursuant to Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, and for breach of employment contract. Letter of agreement clearly specified fixed term of 24 months, and Plaintiff's level of performance was not among contract terms and was not a basis for termination. Thus, Defendant breached contract. Where there is a question as to whether employee was terminated for cause, unpaid future compensation pursuant to a terminated contract does not fall under Wage Act's definition of "final compensation". (JORGENSEN and HUDSON, concurring.)