A Watsonville, California employment contract is an agreement where the employer and employee each intend to legally bind the other to particular conditions in the work relationship. Most California employment contracts can be negotiable since both parties benefit from a suitable agreement that is unique to their circumstances. If conditions are met, the employment contract for a set amount of time will provide the employee with a guarantee of job security. It also gives employees some degree of control directly over employee productivity.

Common Terms in California Employment Contracts

California employment contracts normally include many terms such as a description of the job, employment duration (generally at-will employment), compensation/benefits, and grounds for terminating. Contracts may also contain less commonly used clauses. First, arbitration clauses require parties to give up their rights to sue in court for any type of employment dispute.

Second, the contract can contain a termination clause, also known as a "severance clause". Courts have held that employers who violate these clauses when firing a person may be sued for wrongful termination. Also, information or work that is obtained or completed by an employee may be subject to confidentiality and non-compete clauses.

How Can a Watsonville Lawyer Help?

Lawyers in Watsonville who specialize in California employment laws may assist you in determining what employment contracts contain. An attorney will also counsel you in obtaining what is fair to you in the contract terms, and they can help negotiate agreements addressing your needs as you begin or end employment.