In Belfast, Maine, an employment contract is agreement between an employer and employee which legally binds them to conditions stated in the work relationship. Maine contracts are generally negotiable since both employer and employee benefit from an agreement that is tailored to their individual work setting. An employment contract for a set period provides the employee with a guarantee of job security if the conditions are met, and it further allows employers some measure of direct control over employee productivity.

Common Terms in Maine Employment Contracts

Job descriptions, wage levels, length of time of employment (or more likely, at will employment), and grounds for promotion or termination are normally included in the majority of Maine employment contracts. Please note, however, that contracts can contain other less common clauses. First, for instance, an arbitration clause may require the parties to forgo the right to sue in the event of an employment dispute.

Also, termination or severance clauses detail the procedure for ending employment. Courts have held that when an employer violates these in firing an employee, the employee may sue for wrongful termination. Furthermore, work that is completed by an employee, or information obtained by them are covered in clauses known as confidentiality clauses and non-compete clauses.

How Can a Belfast Lawyer Help?

A Belfast lawyer who specializes in the employment laws of Maine can assist you in understanding what is contained in an employment contract. A lawyer can also lend counsel about what is fair to you in the contract, and can negotiate certain terms that will address your particular concerns as you enter or leave employment.