"The Golden Ticket for Dealing with Employment Contracts"
Google Movie Synopsis:
The last of five coveted "golden tickets" falls into the
hands of a sweet but very poor boy. He and his grandpa then get a tour of the
strangest chocolate factory in the world. The owner leads five young winners on
a thrilling and often dangerous tour of his factory.
Scenario:
Charlie and Grandpa walk into Willy Wonka’s office at the end of
the day to ask about next steps and get a rude awakening to the importance of
contract review.
Selected Scene:
Grandpa: I just wanted to ask about the chocolate, the lifetime supply of chocolate for Charlie, when does he get it?
Willy: He doesn’t
Grandpa: Why not?
Willy: Because he broke the rules.
Grandpa: What rules? We didn’t see any rules did we Charlie?
Willy: Wrong sir, wrong! Under section 37b of the contract signed by him it states quite clearly that all offers should become null and void if . . . and you can read it for yourself in this photo-static copy. I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera. Fax mentis incendium gloria cultum, et cetera, et cetera. Memo bis punitor delicatum! It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal. You stole fizzy lifting drinks! You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and sterilized, so you get nothing! You lose! Good day, sir!
Business Tip:
Employment contracts are generally for senior
level positions, however, nowadays there is an increase in legal documents that
makes you feel you are signing your life away. As is often the case, it’s the
fine print that scares us all, and not because it’s written in size 5 font, but
the fact that everything is presented in Latin or intimidating legal terms.
As in the case of Charlie and his grandpa, many
of us do not have the luxury (and time) to review every single line of a
document, especially if the need for a job is immediate. I’m not going to talk
to you about what should or should not be in an employment contract, there are far
too many variables that come into play that are unique to each of our
situations. I will say this, there are two tips for you to take-away. First,
always document your conversations and keep copies of any matters related to your
salary, benefits, job duties, reprimands, and accolades. Reason being, there
are some laws that recognize oral contracts as valid—if you were told by a
supervisor or hiring manager you would receive certain deliverables, but never
got it in writing, you basically can present an oral contract.
And secondly, the most important thing I can
tell you and what I call the “golden ticket,” always have an attorney or someone
who is familiar with the law read through the contract or documents and ask for
their advice. Believe me, you don't want to do this alone, so don’t be a
sucker!
