Connecticut restaurant server employment contract template

Connecticut Restaurant Server Employment Agreement

This Full-Time Restaurant Server Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and effective as of [Date], by and between [Restaurant Name], a [State] corporation, with its principal place of business at [Restaurant Address] ("Employer"), and [Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address] ("Employee").

Position

Full-Time Restaurant Server

Description of Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greeting guests and seating them appropriately.
• Taking food and beverage orders accurately.
• Delivering orders to tables promptly and efficiently.
• Checking guest identification for alcohol service, complying with the Connecticut Liquor Control Act.
• Communicating kitchen or bar needs effectively.
• Handling guest payments, including POS systems and proper recording of sales and tips.
• Monitoring cleanliness and sanitation of assigned service areas, adhering to Connecticut Department of Public Health regulations.
• Explaining menu items and specials clearly and accurately.
• Upholding food allergy procedures according to Connecticut law.
• Following all company and state-required COVID-19 protocols (if applicable).

Reporting Structure

Employee will report directly to [Supervisor Name], [Supervisor Title].

Employee is expected to collaborate with other servers, bussers, and kitchen staff as part of a team.

Expectations:

• Participate in shift change procedures, including cash drawer reconciliation.
• Provide teamwork and support for large parties or special events.

Work Location

Primary work location: [Restaurant Address], [City, CT Zip Code].

Options:

• Option A: Employee may be required to work at other Employer locations within [Number] miles of the primary location.
• Option B: Temporary assignments at other locations may be required with reasonable notice.

Full-Time Status and Hours

Employee is classified as a Full-Time employee.

Minimum weekly hours: [Number] hours per week.

Shift Schedule: [Describe typical shift schedule, e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays].

Options:

• Option A: Split shifts may be required.
• Option B: Double shifts may be required.

Compensation

Hourly base wage: [Dollar Amount] per hour. (Complies with Connecticut minimum wage laws.)

Tip Credit: Employer intends to take a tip credit. The tipped minimum wage is [Dollar Amount] per hour. The difference between this and the regular minimum wage is covered by tips. If tips are insufficient to reach minimum wage, Employer will pay the difference. (Complies with current Connecticut minimum wage and tip credit laws.)

Tips Distribution:

• Option A: Employee retains sole ownership of all tips received directly from customers.
• Option B: Employee participates in a tip pool with [List positions sharing the pool]. The tip pool is distributed according to the following formula: [Describe formula]. (Complies with Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-62-E2.)

Overtime: Employee will be paid overtime at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This includes any applicable tip credit considerations.

Pay Frequency and Method: Employee will be paid [Weekly/Bi-weekly] via [Direct Deposit/Check].

Tip Reporting: Employee is responsible for accurately reporting all tip income to the Employer daily using [IRS Form 4070/Designated Tip Log].

Benefits

Health Insurance:

• Option A: Employer offers health insurance coverage. Details are outlined in the employee benefits handbook.
• Option B: Employer does not offer health insurance coverage.

Dental Insurance:

• Option A: Employer offers dental insurance coverage. Details are outlined in the employee benefits handbook.
• Option B: Employer does not offer dental insurance coverage.

Vision Insurance:

• Option A: Employer offers vision insurance coverage. Details are outlined in the employee benefits handbook.
• Option B: Employer does not offer vision insurance coverage.

Paid Sick Leave: Employee is eligible for paid sick leave in accordance with CT General Statutes § 31-57r, if applicable to Employer’s size.

Meal/Rest Breaks:

• Option A: Employee is eligible for a paid meal break of [Number] minutes after [Number] hours of work.
• Option B: Employee is provided with an unpaid meal break of [Number] minutes after [Number] hours of work. (Note: Connecticut does not require meal breaks for adult employees, but employer policy may provide them.)
• Option C: Employee is not entitled to any break periods.
• Employee is eligible for paid rest breaks as required for minors or under specific employer policies.

Paid Vacation:

• Option A: Employee is eligible for paid vacation time according to the following schedule: [Describe vacation accrual schedule].
• Option B: Employee is not eligible for paid vacation time.

Holiday Pay:

• Option A: Employee is eligible for holiday pay for the following holidays: [List holidays].
• Option B: Employee is not eligible for holiday pay.

Employee Meal Discounts: Employee is eligible for a [Percentage]% discount on meals at the restaurant.

Uniforms:

• Option A: Employer provides uniforms.
• Option B: Employee is responsible for providing their own uniforms according to the following specifications: [Describe specifications].
• Employer [Pays for/Does not pay for] uniform maintenance. (Complies with 2024 CT laws on wage deductions.)

Retirement Savings Plan:

• Option A: Employer offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Option B: Employer does not offer a retirement savings plan but complies with myCTSavings requirements (if applicable).

Compliance with Regulations

Employee must comply with all applicable Connecticut Liquor Control regulations, health regulations, and safety regulations.

Employee will participate in server training, such as TIPS, if required by the Employer.

Employee will obtain and maintain a food handler certification if required for their duties.

Behavioral Standards

Employee will adhere to the Employer's code of conduct, which includes providing excellent customer service, maintaining a professional demeanor, and treating all coworkers with respect.

Employee will comply with all anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies, adhering to Connecticut and federal employment protections. (CFEPA protected classes: age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status).

Employer Policies

Employee will follow Employer policies for addressing customer complaints, theft prevention, and prohibited conduct.

The use of mobile devices during work hours is limited to [Describe permissible uses].

Non-Compete and Confidentiality

Non-compete clauses are prohibited for non-managerial restaurant servers in Connecticut and are therefore not included in this Agreement.

Confidentiality: Employee will maintain the confidentiality of proprietary menu information, customer lists, special events, or sensitive business data. This excludes general skills and knowledge.

Non-Solicitation: Employee will not solicit customers or employees of the Employer for [Number] months following termination of employment.

At-Will Employment

This is an at-will employment relationship, meaning that either the Employer or the Employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable Connecticut laws.

Resignation: Employee is expected to provide [Number] weeks' notice of resignation.

Termination: Employer may terminate employment for cause, including but not limited to [List examples of cause].

Final Wage Payment: Upon termination, Employee will receive their final wage payment no later than the next regular payday or within 24 hours of discharge as per Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-71c.

Return of Property: Employee will return all uniforms, keys, equipment, or company property upon termination.

Employee Rights and Notices

Employee acknowledges receipt of and access to required employee right-to-work posters and mandatory labor law postings.

Employee acknowledges receipt of written notice of their wage rates and employment terms per Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-71f.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be resolved through internal HR discussion, followed by mediation or arbitration if necessary.

Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut.

Venue: Any legal action arising out of this Agreement will be brought in the state or federal courts located in [County Name] County, Connecticut.

Safety and Health

Employer complies with the Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Employee must adhere to all safety protocols.

Employee will immediately report any workplace injuries to [Designated Person]. Workers' compensation benefits are available for qualifying injuries.

Prohibited Deductions

Employer will not make deductions from Employee's wages for cash or tip shortages, breakage, or customer walkouts unless employee willful misconduct is demonstrated, as per CT wage and hour regulations.

Shift Swaps, Advancement, and Transfers

Shift swaps are permitted with the approval of [Designated Person].

Opportunities for advancement and promotion may be available.

Transfers between restaurant locations may be possible based on business needs and employee performance.

Schedule Accommodation: Employee can request schedule accommodations for religious or health reasons under CT law.

Age-Related Laws

Employee complies with all age-related laws for serving alcohol (legal minimum age 18) and safe serving procedures.

Data Privacy

Employer handles employee personal and payroll information in accordance with Connecticut records retention and privacy statutes.

CHRO Information

Employee acknowledges disclosure and understanding of the CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) complaint avenues and employee hotline information.

Harassment and Discrimination Reporting

Employer has procedures for reporting suspected harassment or discrimination. Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited per Connecticut law.

Amendments

Employer may update certain provisions of this Agreement, such as wages, benefits, or schedules, with reasonable notice to the Employee.

Employee acknowledges receipt and understanding of the terms of this Agreement.

[Restaurant Name]

By: [Name]

Title: [Title]

[Employee Name]

Signature: ____________________________

Date: [Date]