An employment contract is a signed agreement between an employer and an employee. Employment contracts specify terms of employment and provide the employee with job security if conditions are favorable. In Arizona, employment contracts are negotiable to allow both parties to come to a definitive agreement.
Most non-union workers aren’t covered by a written employment contract in Arizona. Workers with contracts should ensure they specify the length of employment, job duties, and the circumstances under which your employment can be terminated. To be considered a binding contract, it must satisfy one of these three criteria:
- It’s a written agreement signed by the employer and the employee
- It’s an agreement in an employee handbook/manual stating that it is meant to be an employment contract
- It’s a written document that the employer signs specifying that you will be employed for a certain period of time
The Content of Employment Contracts
When creating an employment contract, you should consider various factors to ensure it suits you best as an employee. Below are some of the items included in employment agreements:
- Employees’ roles and responsibilities
- Term of employment, which includes months, years, indefinitely, and so on. However, Arizona is an “at-will” state. Therefore, employees are advised to consult an employment law firm before appending their signature on the contract.
- Non-compete covenants that inhibit the employment opportunities for the employee if he or she leaves the organization or when the person gets terminated
- Methods of resolving disputes
- Benefits
- Non-disclosure agreements
- Sick days and vacation policies
- Severance agreements
A good employment contract should spell out what the employee is supposed to do. It should also address how employment violations should be handled and what an employee should consider as a breach of contract.
When to Seek Help from Employment Law Attorney
No one should feel frightened or threatened of going to work. Employment law is supposed to ensure every employee is treated fairly. The federal laws cover a lot of ground, including safety standards, retirement, healthcare plans, child labor, among many others. Here are situations where you should seek the help of a law office:
Wrongful Termination
When it comes to termination, an employer can fire an employee with or without a good cause. This is because Arizona is an at-will state. However, an employer cannot fire staff for a bad cause. For instance, a bad cause can be like retaliation for the employee being a whistleblower.
Workplace Retaliation
There are times when employers do the wrong thing and as an employee, you must be brave and speak up. However, some employers treat it with a negative attitude, and employees get punished through workplace retaliation.
When this happens, contact a contract attorney or employment lawyer in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, or anywhere in Maricopa County to get help.
Failure to Meet Minimum Wage Requirements
In Arizona, all employees are entitled to get a minimum wage that is set by the federal law or state. Failure for the employer to pay the set minimum wage violates Arizona’s employment and labor law. Ensure you search for employment lawyers with experience in EEOC, business law, government agencies, contract law, and related legal matters.
Draw on our years of experience at HKM Employment Attorneys to assist you with all legal issues related to Arizona employment contracts. We offer legal counsel in Phoenix on employment practice areas. We also help in negotiating restrictive covenants to protect your legitimate interests.
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