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Employment contracts are put in place within businesses to define terms and conditions for employees that work within the business. Written contracts will be issued to employees when they’re in process of being employed in a role within the company. Most countries have legal obligations for employers to provide employees with a legal document of employment, it’s the employer-given duty. They provide the employee with a written document that outlines the terms of their employment within 2 months of their starting date. Yet, even when official documents are issued there can be common contract disputes that arise during employment which can easily lead to internal discussions or even legal action.
So despite a contract being in place, what are common contract disputes that you’re still likely to come across? Here common employment contract disputes can take place.
Wrongful Termination
This is in fact probably one of the most common disputes within employment law. It can be rather costly and time-consuming when an employee has to be dismissed from their role. This is one of the many reasons why contracts are put in place, so employees adhere to the terms of their roles. Even with termination, employees are required to provide employees with a formal notice of termination.
However, there can be occasions where employees feel their termination from the role has been made wrongfully. Whether they still feel they were within their rights for whatever they were dismissed for or they’ve been dismissed controversially, employees may try to contest the reasons for their dismissal. In such cases. In such scenarios, seeking advice from an employment lawyer los angeles can be invaluable in understanding local labor laws and determining the best course of action.
Employment contract Disputes With Wages
Whilst wages would have been agreed upon beforehand, employees can begin a wage dispute case if they feel an employer has not been compensating them for the time they’ve been working on the job. This can include factors such as overtime and tips that have been earnt. As a regulation, employers should be providing their staff with minimum pay wages. Another form of wage dispute is in regard to worker misclassification. This can happen when an employer wrongfully declares that a worker is in fact a contractor rather than someone who is employed by the business. This can be extremely detrimental to the worker, particularly with tax issues and benefit payments. This is why it’s important that terms and conditions are agreed upon via an employee contract beforehand. In such cases, a payment in lieu has to be offered.
Claims of Harassment or Discrimination
Harassment and discrimination in the workplace can be extremely serious offenses. There are currently laws in place to protect workers from discrimination and harassment and are relevant to any employee that works for the business. Companies have to set up harassing and bullying policies beforehand so employees can refer to them in confidence.
Discrimination relates to unfair treatment of an individual based on their age, race, gender, religion, sex, pregnancy, disability, or sexuality. It’s unfortunate to think that there can be instances where employers will use this against their employees, but it can happen. So employees can be protected from such cases, there should be internal HR processes within the business that can help with such scenarios. If not, external organizations are present that can help employees to deal with such matters.
Severance Agreements
Severance agreements are formalities that are outlined in a contract, which documents the responsibilities of both parties when a job termination occurs. It’s a form of compensation that’s agreed upon when contracts include a non-disclosure or non-compete agreement. Effective contract management plays a vital role in the creation and implementation of severance agreements. By carefully drafting and reviewing the contract, parties can ensure that the terms and conditions related to severance are fair, reasonable, and legally sound. Seeking legal advice from litigation solicitors before entering into a severance agreement is advisable to fully understand the rights and potential complications associated with the agreement. Contract management, in this context, provides the necessary framework to protect the interests of both the employer and the employee, promoting transparency, compliance, and a clear understanding of the rights and obligations involved.
Employment law can cover a range of claims that occur between employers and employees. If you feel as though you’ve been wrongfully dismissed or have a dispute in your contract, it’s best to follow your internal processes or seek help from legal professionals who can guide you through the situation. Effective contract management plays a crucial role in addressing employment disputes and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. By maintaining well-documented and properly managed contracts, parties can reference the agreed-upon terms and obligations to navigate through potential conflicts. Seeking assistance from legal professionals experienced in contract management can provide valuable insights and support in resolving disputes, protecting your rights, and achieving a fair resolution within the boundaries of the contract and relevant employment laws.
Jamie Costello is a legal assistant based in Manchester, UK. The topics he writes about vary from business law to dispute resolution. He uses his knowledge from education and working alongside internal litigation solicitors within his role to help collate his articles.
