Employment Contracts

What is an Employment Contract?

Prior to commencing a new job or experiencing changes or promotions in your current role, your employer may ask you to sign a written employment contract. It is essential to recognize the significance of these contracts and have a clear understanding of their terms to safeguard your rights and foster a working environment that is fair and transparent.

A written employment contract is a legally binding agreement between you and your employer that outlines the terms of your working relationship. Such contracts have numerous advantages as they define the nature of employment and establish clear guidelines for various aspects of the agreement.

Employment contracts, also referred to as employment agreements, hold significant legal importance for individuals, yet their provisions are often disregarded. Despite their significance, many employees find it challenging to comprehend the full extent of their employment contracts. At Robert and Obradovic Law, our dedicated team of employment and labor lawyers consistently assists individuals who have been presented with new job offers, promotions, or modifications to their current positions. Our aim is to help these individuals fully understand the terms and conditions outlined in their proposed employment contracts.

Key Components of an Employment Contract

A typical employment contract encompasses various details pertaining to the employee’s position including;

• Responsibilities and tasks related to the job
• Payment and benefits package
• Duration of the employment agreement
• Conditions that may lead to termination
• Agreement on keeping sensitive information confidential
• Expected working hours and schedule
• Entitlements to vacation time
• Policies and guidelines within the workplace
• Provision of health insurance benefits
• Restrictions on soliciting clients or employees
• Agreement on non-compete obligations
• Ownership of intellectual property
• Process for resolving workplace disputes

It serves as a legally binding agreement between the employer and the employee, establishing the parameters for their working relationship.

Before Signing an Employment Contract

Employment contracts can be overwhelming, especially when they are lengthy and contain intricate provisions like termination clauses. It is important to remember that you should never feel pressured to sign an employment contract without seeking guidance from an employment lawyer in Toronto. You have the right to negotiate the terms of your contract, and our team is dedicated to assisting you throughout the process. Prior to finalizing the agreement, we recommend having one of our skilled employment lawyers review it carefully. They possess unparalleled expertise in maximizing your compensation and benefits, identifying any hidden legal risks, and helping you negotiate terms that are most favorable to you.

In addition, contracts for executives and management often involve unique elements such as stock options, phantom shares, non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, or performance-related provisions. Our employment lawyers specialize in handling these complex matters, ensuring that your employment contract is fair and tailored to your best interest.

We understand that each situation is unique, which is why we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our employment lawyers in Toronto. This consultation will provide you with personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, allowing you to explore your options thoroughly.

Important Terms to Consider in an Employment Contract

Employment contracts often contain complex terms and clauses that employees should carefully consider when reviewing agreements provided by their existing or prospective employers.

One important aspect to review is the non-competition clause, which aims to restrict employees from working for competitors or establishing competing businesses during or after their employment. Enforcing these clauses can be challenging, particularly if they unreasonably limit future employment opportunities.

Additionally, employment agreements may include provisions that grant employers the authority to unilaterally alter the terms of employment, thereby eliminating potential claims for constructive dismissal. It is often possible to negotiate these provisions to safeguard one’s rights and mitigate the risk of unfavorable changes to the employment relationship.

Safeguarding Fairness: Legal Guidance in Employment Contract Review

When presented with a new employment contract, seeking the expertise of a legal professional is advisable. They can review the document to ensure that employees do not unknowingly relinquish important workplace rights. By thoughtfully considering these important terms within an employment contract and seeking appropriate legal guidance, employees can protect their rights and make informed decisions regarding their employment agreements.

Seeking legal advice, particularly when starting a new job, can help ensure that employment contracts respect and protect an individual’s workplace rights. Roberts and Obradovic Law, employment lawyers have extensive experience in reviewing and challenging employment contracts to safeguard clients’ rights, especially concerning termination. Contact us at (647) 724-5179 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced contract lawyers.