An employee contract can either feel like a security blanket or a ball and chain, depending on your employer.
It can be a relief to know that you can’t be fired without certain things happening first. However, if you are looking at new opportunities, or your workplace has changed and become more difficult or stressful, it means you have to stay put or face the consequences. So how do you know if you are under contract?
Because most states, including West Virginia, are employment at will, an employment contract is a statement that there is a different agreement than at-will employment that governs the employer-employee relationship. When you begin employment anywhere, there is a lot of paperwork to fill out and sign, so it can be difficult to remember what all you have signed. In some workplaces, even at-will employees have to sign a document stating that they acknowledge they are at-will. But if you signed an employment contract, you should have gotten received a copy of the contract. In that contract, it specifies all of the details governing your employment agreement.
If you are a member of a union, you are almost certainly under contract as a part of that union. The function of a union is to protect the workers and give them bargaining power with the employer by treating them as a unit. The workers must stay together as a unit for this to work, so employment is bound by the union rules.
If you are under an employment contract and need to get out if it, you need to talk to an employment attorney about how you can do that without having to face undue financial consequences.
Our attorneys have more than 35 40 years dedicated to giving clients the attention, advice, support and empowerment they need to effectively meet their goals. We are committed to the principle that all persons shall have equal justice under the law. Call Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C. at 304-523-8451 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.