Other LanguagesCM Travel, based in Bellevue, must refund individuals who answered an employment ad for travel agents but instead were offered opportunities as independent contractors. We announced a settlement today with company and its owners, resolving allegations that they violated the state Consumer Protection Act.
According to the state’s complaint, CM Travel advertised in local newspapers that it sought to hire travel agents and would provide training. Applicants were interviewed in groups and were told about the company’s commission-based pay, travel-related benefits and training opportunities. But they weren't told about the true nature of the offer until after the initial meeting. Some believed they were being offered a job rather than an opportunity to sign a contract.