In Rehoboth, Massachusetts, an employment contract is agreement between an employer and employee which legally binds them to conditions stated in the work relationship. Many Massachusetts employment contracts can be negotiable since both parties benefit from a suitable agreement that is unique to their circumstances. Employment contracts specifying a period of employment provide employees with some measure of job security if conditions are satisfied. They further permit the employer to directly control employee productivity to some degree.

Common Terms in Massachusetts Employment Contracts

Terms that are included in the majority of employment contracts in Massachusetts include the job description, salary or wages, length of employment (or if it at will) and grounds for termination or advancement. Some clauses are less common but still worthy of being noted. First, the contract may contain an arbitration clause which requires that parties forgo going to court over an employment dispute.

Also, 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. Furthermore, confidentiality and non-compete clauses make any information obtained or work completed by an employee under contract subject to particular rules.

How Can a Rehoboth Lawyer Help?

Lawyers in Rehoboth who specialize in Massachusetts employment laws can 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 terminate employment.