Crimsonking
Been here a while
As of yet we have not used paper contracts, but are ready to implement them this season. Does anyone have one that you're using and would be willing to share for ideas?
Employee Contracts
- Thread starter Crimsonking
- Start date
treehumper
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- Ridgefield, NJ
We don't and for all the places I've worked I've never had a contract unless I was an independent contractor. Get the labor laws that pertain to your area and see what you need to address outside of that. Make sure there isn't anything in there that you can't contract out of. You could address much of your needs in an employee handbook. Have them sign a letter of acknowledgement that they have read and agree to the terms as set out in the handbook.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
Thanks, I like the idea of having them sign the handbook. I'm actually working on one right now. That would definitely simplify things without over-committing us.
wyoclimber
Participating member
- Location
- Cody, WY
Yeah. I think a handbook is a good place to start, though a real pain in the ass. I've been revising one for a year as I think of things I should add, clarify, remove etc... Course, I can be a perfectionist.
It's incredibly important to familiarize yourself with both state and federal labor laws. If I just look at my state laws, I don't have many responsibilities. Wyoming is a right to work state and employees bear the burden of proof on most things (wrongful termination, safety violations, etc...) but I think that also explains our incredibly high rate of workplace fatalities.
I think that we often think we can exempt ourselves from things just by signing a contract but it doesn't work like that. If it's the law, that's how it has to be, that contract wouldn't hold up in court and could even get you in trouble (if it's attempting to exempt employers from their responsibilities).
It's incredibly important to familiarize yourself with both state and federal labor laws. If I just look at my state laws, I don't have many responsibilities. Wyoming is a right to work state and employees bear the burden of proof on most things (wrongful termination, safety violations, etc...) but I think that also explains our incredibly high rate of workplace fatalities.
I think that we often think we can exempt ourselves from things just by signing a contract but it doesn't work like that. If it's the law, that's how it has to be, that contract wouldn't hold up in court and could even get you in trouble (if it's attempting to exempt employers from their responsibilities).
Crimsonking
Been here a while
Thanks for the heads up. And I thought it would be easy...
treehumper
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- Ridgefield, NJ
Easy..... yeah, right...
Seriously though, if you do this up right then you'll also be perceived as a better employer by people who are professionals in this field. It also gives you a virtual arbitrator. Most importantly, make it realistic and follow it. Once you deviate from any policy then you might as well rip it up.
Seriously though, if you do this up right then you'll also be perceived as a better employer by people who are professionals in this field. It also gives you a virtual arbitrator. Most importantly, make it realistic and follow it. Once you deviate from any policy then you might as well rip it up.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
Yeah, I already deleted a couple things because of that last point. I took wyoclimber's advice and ended up reading interesting, yet simultaneously mind numbing cases that serve as the basis for current decisions. Whew! I am excited about setting the standard for new hires, though. In general, I believe people will rise to whatever standard you set, as long as it's reasonable. Thanks again for the input.
By handbook do you mean all your company policies or what's in your book?
We don't have employment contracts but we have policies and procedures we sign off on and this winter I've doubled how many we have. There's mention of this in the health and safety thread up in general
treehumper
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- Ridgefield, NJ
Employee handbooks contains all the information that an employee needs to know about the company, all the relevant laws that govern employment in the jurisdiction, company specific policies, codes of conduct, professionalism, development, etc....
This way there's a direct reference if any questions come up. Having them read and sign an acknowledgement of receiving it leaves everyone clear on how things work there.
This way there's a direct reference if any questions come up. Having them read and sign an acknowledgement of receiving it leaves everyone clear on how things work there.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
That's what I'm attempting, anyway. Another question I have is whether anyone has a tailgate safety checklist they use and are willing to share?
- Location
- Narnia
TCIA sells a huge book devoted to tailgate safety meetings. It has most all the forms and checklist I believe that you need to get you started. Its a great place to start and offers a nice blueprint for when you are ready to build/organize your own.
