Alabama cook employment contract template

Alabama Cook Employment Contract

This Full-Time Cook Employment Contract ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of this [Date], by and between [Employer Name], located at [Employer Address], ("Employer") and [Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address], ("Employee").

Job Title and Description

• The Employer hires the Employee as a Full-Time Cook.
• The Employee's duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Food preparation and cooking
  • Following recipes
  • Portion control
  • Kitchen cleanliness
  • Equipment operation and cleaning
  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Menu item preparation
  • Receiving and storing ingredients
  • Stock rotation (FIFO)
  • Assisting with inventory
  • Adherence to specific dietary requirements
  • Allergen handling protocols
  • Following employer-set menus and specials
  • Maintaining workstations
  • Collaborating with kitchen staff
  • Compliance with uniform, hygiene, and appearance standards

Work Location and Travel

• The primary work location is [Restaurant/Catering/Cafeteria Name], located at [Work Location Address] in Alabama.
• Option A: Employee may be required to travel to other locations as needed.
• Option B: Employee will not be required to travel.
• Option C: Employee may be assigned to split shifts.
• Option D: Employee may be assigned different kitchen stations.
• Option E: Employee may be temporarily assigned to other locations.

Employment Status and Work Schedule

• The Employee's employment is full-time.
• Minimum Weekly Hours: [Number] (between 30-40)
• Shift Conditions:
  • Option A: Morning shifts.
  • Option B: Evening shifts.
  • Option C: Weekend shifts.
  • Option D: Holiday shifts.
• Break Periods: The Employer will provide break periods in accordance with company policy. Alabama law does not mandate rest or meal breaks. The Employer’s policy regarding breaks is: [Description of Break Policy, e.g., a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts longer than 6 hours].
• Overtime: Employee will be compensated for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Method for Clocking In/Out: [Description of Clocking Method, e.g., using a time clock, a mobile app].

Compensation

• Hourly Wage/Salary: [Amount] per [Hour/Year].
• Payment Frequency: [Weekly/Bi-Weekly].
• Payment Method: [Direct Deposit/Check].
• Option A: Tip Pooling: Employee [will/will not] participate in a tip pooling arrangement. Details: [Description of Tip Pooling Arrangement].
• Option B: Service Charge: Employee [will/will not] receive a portion of service charges. Details: [Description of Service Charge Distribution].
• Overtime Rate: 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
• Option A: Bonus/Incentive Programs: Employee [is/is not] eligible for bonus or incentive programs. Details: [Description of Bonus Programs, e.g., performance-based bonus, attendance bonus, menu innovation bonus].

Benefits

• Option A: Health Insurance: Employee [is/is not] eligible for employer-provided health insurance. Details: [Description of Health Insurance Benefits].
• Option B: Dental Insurance: Employee [is/is not] eligible for employer-provided dental insurance. Details: [Description of Dental Insurance Benefits].
• Option C: Vision Insurance: Employee [is/is not] eligible for employer-provided vision insurance. Details: [Description of Vision Insurance Benefits].
• Option D: Paid Time Off (PTO): Employee [is/is not] eligible for paid time off. Details: [Description of PTO Policy]. Alabama does not mandate PTO.
• Option E: Holiday Pay: Employee [is/is not] eligible for holiday pay. Details: [Description of Holiday Pay Policy].
• Option F: Sick Leave: Employee [is/is not] eligible for sick leave. Details: [Description of Sick Leave Policy]. Alabama does not mandate sick leave.
• Option G: Staff Meals/Meal Discounts: Employee [will/will not] receive staff meals or meal discounts. Details: [Description of Meal Benefits].
• Option H: Retirement Plan: Employee [is/is not] eligible to participate in a retirement plan (401k, SIMPLE IRA). Details: [Description of Retirement Plan].
• Option I: Uniform/Laundry Allowance: Employee [will/will not] receive a uniform or laundry allowance. Details: [Description of Uniform/Laundry Allowance].
• Option J: Culinary Training/Certification: The Employer [will/will not] provide opportunities for culinary training/certification. Details: [Description of Training Opportunities].
• Option K: Travel/Transportation Support: The Employer [will/will not] provide travel or transportation support. Details: [Description of Travel Support].

Supervision and Teamwork

• The Employee will report directly to [Job Title of Supervisor, e.g., Kitchen Manager, Executive Chef].
• The Employee is expected to work cooperatively with all kitchen staff, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashing staff.

Food Safety and Sanitation

• Employee must comply with all rules and regulations of the Alabama State Board of Health and local health departments.
• Option A: Employee must obtain and maintain a ServSafe or equivalent food handler certification.
• Employee must report any illness to their supervisor immediately.
• Employee must follow all protocols for handling and storing food to prevent contamination and allergen exposure.

Workplace Safety

• Employee must comply with all applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for commercial kitchens.
• Employee must maintain work areas free of slip and trip hazards.
• Employee must operate equipment safely and according to instructions.
• Employee must follow emergency procedures and chemical handling protocols.
• Employee must know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them.

Accident Reporting

• Employee must immediately report any workplace accidents or injuries to their supervisor.
• The Employer will provide first aid as needed.
• The Employer maintains workers’ compensation insurance as required by Alabama law.
• Employee must follow the Employer's procedures for reporting workers’ compensation claims.

Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment

• The Employer prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, and any specific Alabama anti-discrimination statutes.
• Employee must report any instances of discrimination or harassment to [Name/Title of Contact Person].
• The Employer will promptly investigate all reports of discrimination or harassment.

Privacy and Personal Devices

• Employee has no expectation of privacy in kitchen or common work areas.
• Use of cell phones or personal devices on kitchen premises is [permitted/prohibited] during work hours, except during authorized breaks.

At-Will Employment

• The Employee’s employment is at-will. This means that either the Employee or the Employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, with or without notice.

Termination of Employment

• Resignation: Employee must provide [Number] days' written notice of resignation. Employee must return all uniforms, keycards, or other Employer property upon termination.
• Termination: The Employer may terminate the Employee's employment for cause or without cause.
• Final Paycheck: Employee will receive their final paycheck in accordance with Alabama law.
• Option A: Severance: Employee [is/is not] eligible for severance pay. Details: [Description of Severance Policy].
• Option B: Reference Letter: The Employer [will/will not] provide a reference letter upon request.

Confidentiality

• Employee agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary information, including recipes, ingredients, preparation processes, supplier lists, and cooking techniques.
• This obligation of confidentiality will continue [for the duration of employment/indefinitely/for a specified period, e.g., 2 years] after termination of employment.

Restrictive Covenants

• Option A: Non-Solicitation: Employee agrees not to solicit employees of the Employer for [Number] months after termination of employment.
• Option B: Non-Disclosure: Employee agrees not to disclose confidential information to competitors.
• These covenants are subject to Alabama law and are intended to be reasonable in scope and duration.

Outside Catering and Cooking Jobs

• Employee is prohibited from engaging in unauthorized outside catering or cooking jobs that may constitute a conflict of interest or violate confidentiality.
• Employee must obtain the Employer's permission before participating in outside culinary competitions or appearances using company branding.

Participation in Training and Meetings

• Employee is expected to participate in mandatory pre-shift briefings, food safety drills, staff training, and taste panels.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

• The job requires the ability to lift [Weight] safely, tolerate hot or humid environments, stand for extended periods, and handle sharp objects.
• Option A: Employee may be required to obtain medical clearance as permitted by ADA and Alabama law.

Workplace Conduct

• Employee must adhere to the chain of command, interact respectfully with all staff, and maintain a professional demeanor.
• The Employer has a zero-tolerance policy for violence, theft, and the use of alcohol or illegal substances on duty.

Grievance and Complaint Procedures

• Employee may submit grievances or complaints to [Name/Title of Contact Person].
• The Employer will investigate and address all complaints promptly and fairly.

Required Legal Notices

• The Employer will post all required USDA or FDA food safety compliance notices and Alabama Department of Labor workplace posters, including EEOC information.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama.
• Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in [County Name] County, Alabama.
• Option A: The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes through mediation before resorting to litigation.
• Option B: Any disputes arising out of or relating to this agreement shall be settled by binding arbitration in [City, State] in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

This Agreement reflects the unique requirements and legal context for full-time cook employment in Alabama, taking into account Alabama's "right-to-work" status and the absence of certain mandatory benefits.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

[Employer Name]

By: [Name of Employer Representative]

Title: [Title of Employer Representative]

[Employee Name]

Signature: ____________________________

Date: [Date]