Labor & Employment Law
Understanding Employment Contracts
Employment contracts are essential documents that outline the terms and conditions of the relationship between employers and employees. They establish clear expectations for both parties, covering critical details such as compensation, job responsibilities, benefits, and termination procedures. A well-drafted employment contract ensures transparency and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or disputes.
Contracts can take many forms, including written agreements, oral understandings, or even implied arrangements based on actions and statements. Regardless of the type, these agreements play a key role in defining the rights and obligations of both employers and employees. Understanding the nuances of employment contracts and the implications of a breach is vital for safeguarding your rights and addressing any violations effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Employment contracts typically include information about:
- Compensation
- Job title
- Job responsibilities
- Benefits
- Terms and conditions of employment
- Termination procedures
There are three most common types of contracts covered in employment law:
- Written contract: Often, an employer and employee will sign a contract dictating the terms of their agreement.
- Oral contract: In many cases, an employer and a worker may simply speak about a job and agree to terms such as pay and hours. When the parties agree, an oral contract is created.
- Implied contract: Sometimes the terms of employment are never agreed to. In these cases, the actions and statements of the parties may be enough to create a contract.
All three types of contracts provide workers with some level of rights. However, an agreement to at-will employment seriously limits rights. At-will employment means that an employer can terminate a worker for any reason or for no reason at all, as long as there is no discrimination involved.
The purpose of a contract is to make sure all parties understand their rights and obligations regarding the relationship they are creating. Contracts can be quite simple or extremely complex, depending on your employer.
Because both parties are bound by the terms of the contract, either side may have a viable breach of contract claim when the other side violates the terms of the agreement. In breach of contract cases, the employee may be able to sue for their economic damages. This means that an employer might be forced to pay salary and benefits that the employee lost due to the breach.
At the Sass Law Firm, we:
- Help workers understand their rights in regard to written, oral and implied contracts, including “at-will” employment
- Represent workers in breach of contact claims
- Help employees and their employers draft contracts that protect their interests
- Defend the rights of workers, regardless of the type of contract they have entered into
- Help develop unique solutions tailored to your individual situation