Colorado cook employment contract template

Colorado Cook Employment Contract

This Colorado Cook Employment Contract (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of this [Date of Signing] by and between:

[Employer Name], located at [Employer Address], hereinafter referred to as "Employer," and

[Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address], hereinafter referred to as "Employee."

1. Position: Cook

• Option A: Full-Time Cook
• Option B: Part-Time Cook

2. Job Description: The Employee shall perform all duties related to the position of Cook, including but not limited to:

• Food preparation and cooking, following standard recipes.
• Plating and garnishing dishes.
• Maintaining portion control.
• Ensuring kitchen cleanliness.
• Compliance with food safety standards.
• Operating kitchen equipment (ovens, grills, fryers, knives, mixers, etc.).
• Ingredient storage and waste reduction.
• Preparation of menu items as per Employer’s requirements.
• Following Employer's allergy and dietary requirements.
• Catering to special orders as needed.

3. Training and Certification:

• The Employee shall participate in mandatory training in kitchen safety and food handler certification.
• Option A: Employer will reimburse for initial Colorado food handler or ServSafe certification.
• Option B: Employee is responsible for obtaining and maintaining current Colorado food handler or ServSafe certification. The employee must maintain current certification compliant with CDPHE regulations.

4. Uniform and Personal Hygiene:

• The Employee shall wear the required uniform: [Description of Uniform].
• The Employee shall maintain personal hygiene and wear provided PPE (hairnets, gloves).
• The Employee must adhere to the following dress code: [Special Dress Code Details].

5. Reporting Structure:

• The Employee will report directly to [Immediate Supervisor, e.g., Head Chef, Kitchen Manager].
• The Employee will follow the kitchen team hierarchy as outlined by the Employer.
• The Employee must communicate inventory shortages, maintenance issues, or safety concerns to their supervisor.

6. Workplace Location:

• The Employee's primary workplace location is [Address of Workplace].
• Option A: Employee may be required to work at multiple facilities.
• Option B: Employee may be required to travel for off-site catering events.

7. Work Schedule:

• The Employee is a full-time employee, working [Number] hours per week.
• The Employee's work schedule is: [Fixed or Rotating Shifts, Start and End Times].
• Meal/rest breaks will be provided as per Colorado Wage Order 38: [Length and Timing of Breaks].
• Schedule changes will be communicated with [Number] days' notice.

8. Overtime Policy:

• Overtime will be paid in compliance with the Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order (COMPS Order).
• Overtime will be paid at 1.5x the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 per week, 12 per day, or 12 consecutive hours.
• Option A: Double-time will be paid for hours worked [Specify Circumstances for Double Time].

9. Wage and Compensation:

• The Employee's hourly wage is [Dollar Amount] per hour.
• The Employee will be paid [Weekly or Biweekly] via [Direct Deposit or Paycheck].
• The Employer complies with the current Colorado minimum wage and, if applicable, Denver's local minimum wage.
• Option A: Holiday or split-shift premiums will be paid as follows: [Details of Premiums].
• Option B: Performance bonuses or service charges will be distributed as follows: [Details of Bonuses].
• Option C: Tip policy: [Details of Tip Policy]

10. Benefits:

• The Employee is eligible for the following benefits:
• Option A: Health insurance
• Option B: Vision insurance
• Option C: Dental insurance
• Colorado mandated sick leave under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA).
• Option D: Paid vacation: [Details of Vacation Policy].
• Option E: Paid state and federal holidays: [List of Holidays].
• Option F: Retirement plan or 401(k): [Details of Retirement Plan].
• Option G: Meal allowance or on-shift meal policy: [Details of Meal Policy].
• Option H: Uniforms provided or reimbursement: [Details of Uniform Policy].
• Option I: Transportation subsidies: [Details of Transportation Subsidy].
• Option J: Tuition or culinary training reimbursement: [Details of Reimbursement Policy].

11. Tip Pooling:

• Option A: The Employee will participate in a tip pool.
• Tip pool distribution schedule: [Payment Schedule for Tips].
• Option B: The Employee will not participate in a tip pool.
• Notice regarding tip policy is provided in accordance with Colorado Wage Theft law.
• Option C: Tip credit provisions are applicable: [Details of Tip Credit Provisions]

12. Worker's Compensation:

• The Employee is covered by worker's compensation insurance per Colorado law.
• In case of on-the-job injuries (cuts, burns, slips), the Employee must follow the Employer's claim process as outlined in the employee handbook.
• The Employer maintains an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-compliant kitchen safety program.

13. Kitchen Safety:

• The Employee must adhere to the Employer's kitchen safety requirements, including:
• Regular equipment inspection.
• Reporting and documenting injuries.
• Emergency evacuation procedures.
• Fire safety training.
• Proper handling of hazardous cleaning supplies.
• Following knife and sharp tool protocols.

14. Food Safety:

• The Employee must comply with CDPHE and local health department food safety regulations, including:
• Regular handwashing.
• Temperature control.
• Cross-contamination prevention.
• Safe food storage.
• Maintaining logs for time/temperature-sensitive items.

15. Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination:

• The Employer maintains a strict anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and equal employment opportunity policy compliant with Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. Protected categories include race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, military status, or disability.
• The Employee must report any incidents of harassment or discrimination to [Designated Person/Department] for investigation.

16. At-Will Employment:

• Employment with the Employer is at-will, as recognized in Colorado.
• The Employee may resign at any time, with [Number] days' written notice.
• The Employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.
• Final pay will be provided [Immediately on discharge or Next Regular Payday if Employee Quits].
• The Employee must return all uniforms or employer property upon termination of employment.

17. Layoffs and Reduction in Force:

• In the event of layoffs or reduction in force, the Employer will comply with the Colorado WARN Act, if applicable.

18. Outside Employment and Confidentiality:

• The Employee must disclose any outside employment to the Employer.
• Non-compete clauses are heavily restricted in Colorado and generally unenforceable for cooks, unless qualifying for management or trade secret roles.
• The Employee must maintain the confidentiality of the Employer's recipes, menus, and proprietary culinary techniques.
• Any participation in events, cooking competitions, or side businesses must be disclosed and approved in writing by the Employer.

19. Standards of Conduct:

• The Employee must adhere to the following standards of conduct:
• Punctuality.
• Adherence to health code policies.
• No consumption of alcohol or controlled substances while on duty.
• Professional customer interaction protocols (if applicable).
• Compliance with the Employer's policies on cell phone or technology use in food prep areas.

20. Leave Requests:

• The Employee must request leave (sick, vacation, health and safety-related) according to the Employer's leave policy.
• The Employee must communicate any no-shows or lateness to [Designated Person/Department] as soon as possible.

21. Dispute Resolution:

• Any disputes arising from this Agreement will be resolved through:
• Option A: Grievance procedure.
• Option B: Internal complaint handling.
• Option C: Mediation.
• Option D: Arbitration.
• Option E: Legal action in Colorado courts.

22. Governing Law:

• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado.

23. Employee Rights:

• The Employer and Employee acknowledge their rights and obligations as set forth in the COMPS Orders, Colorado’s paid sick leave statute, whistleblower protections, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and any applicable collective bargaining agreements or union membership rights.

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

____________________________
[Employer Name]

By: ____________________________
[Employer Representative Name and Title]

____________________________
[Employee Name]