An employment contract protects the employee

An employment contract is an agreement between an employer and an employee that sets out the terms of the employment relationship, such as salary, working hours, place of work and work tasks. An employment contract can be made orally, in writing or electronically. However, it is always advisable to make it in writing to protect the interests of both parties. A written agreement protects both parties if disagreements arise over working conditions.

Before you sign your employment contract, check that at least the following things are included:

employer’s name
your name, i.e. the employee’s name
date when the job starts
possible probationary period and its length
whether the job is
- permanent (i.e. valid until further notice or continuous) or fixed-term
- internship (practical training)
where the work is done, i.e. the address of the workplace
what your job duties are
how much you are paid for the work
date when the salary is paid
whether the hours are full-time or part-time
working hours model, i.e. whether the working hours are daily or periodic, for example 80 hours in two-week periods
terms of annual leave
which collective agreement is followed in your work
date and signatures

Before you sign an employment contract, you can ask your employer for time to read it through. If something is unclear to you, you can ask the employment counsellor or your union representative.

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