Illinois cook employment contract template

Illinois Cook Employment Contract

This Full-Time Cook Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Date] by and between:

• [Employer Name], a [State of Incorporation] corporation, with a principal place of business at [Employer Address], [Employer City], Illinois [Employer Zip Code], and contact number [Employer Phone Number] ("Employer"), and
• [Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address], [Employee City], Illinois [Employee Zip Code], with contact number [Employee Phone Number], and Social Security Number [Employee SSN] (Employee's SSN is collected for payroll and tax purposes only) and legally authorized to work in the United States ("Employee").

1. Position and Responsibilities

• The Employer hereby employs the Employee as a Full-Time Cook. The Employee accepts such employment and agrees to perform faithfully and diligently the duties assigned to them.
  • Option A: The Employee's primary responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to: preparation and cooking of menu items according to standardized recipes and safety protocols, portion control, ingredient measuring and handling, operation and routine cleaning of kitchen equipment, compliance with food allergen procedures, safe food storage, inventory and supplies management, maintenance of kitchen cleanliness and compliance with all local, Illinois, and federal health department codes, participation in opening and closing kitchen procedures, execution of daily prep lists, coordination with kitchen staff and front-of-house for timely food delivery, proper disposal of food waste, logging refrigerator and freezer temperatures, and reporting any equipment or safety issues to management.
  • Option B: The Employee's responsibilities will be detailed in the attached Job Description (Exhibit A).
• The Employee will possess and maintain a valid Illinois Food Handler Certificate or ServSafe certification, or obtain one within [Number] days of hire.
• The Employee must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to [Weight] pounds, and work in a fast-paced, high-heat environment.
• The Employee shall report directly to the [Head Chef/Kitchen Manager Name or Title].

2. Work Location

• The Employee's primary work location is [Restaurant Name], located at [Restaurant Address], [Restaurant City], Illinois [Restaurant Zip Code].
  • Option A: Temporary assignments at other in-state locations may be required with reasonable notice.
  • Option B: Commute/parking accommodation: [Description of parking arrangement or commute benefit if any]. If no accommodation is provided, then write NONE.

3. Employment Type and Hours

• The position is Full-Time.
• The Employee's scheduled weekly hours are [Number] hours.
• Shift patterns: [Day/Night/Split/Weekend shifts description].
• Mandatory consecutive days off: [Number] days, specifically [List Days].
• Overtime Policy: The Employee will be paid overtime at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, in accordance with Illinois law.
• Split Shift/Double Shift Premium:
  • Option A: A premium of [Dollar Amount] will be paid for each split shift or double shift worked.
  • Option B: No premium will be paid for split shifts or double shifts.
• Meal Breaks: The Employee is entitled to a 20-minute unpaid meal break for every 7.5-hour shift, to be taken no later than [Number] hours after the start of the shift, as required by Illinois law.
• Rest Breaks: In addition to meal breaks, Employee is entitled to reasonable rest breaks, and any additional employer-provided breaks are described as: [Description of any provided rest breaks and/or free meals, if any].

4. Compensation

• The Employee's regular hourly wage is [Dollar Amount] per hour or salary is [Dollar Amount] per [Pay Period: e.g., week, bi-week, month].
• Pay frequency: [Weekly/Bi-weekly].
• Method of payment: [Direct Deposit/Check].
• Overtime rate: 1.5 times the regular hourly rate as per Illinois Minimum Wage Law.
• Tip Pooling/Sharing:
  • Option A: This is a non-tipped position.
  • Option B: The Employee is eligible to participate in the established tip pool, and will receive tips according to the company's tip pooling policy as required by Illinois law.
• Shift Differentials/Holiday Pay/Bonus:
  • Option A: A shift differential of [Dollar Amount] will be paid for [Description of eligible shifts].
  • Option B: Holiday pay will be paid at [Rate] for work performed on the following holidays: [List of Holidays].
  • Option C: The Employee is eligible for an annual performance bonus based on company performance and individual contributions. The bonus amount is determined at the sole discretion of the Employer.
  • Option D: None of the above.

5. Employee Benefits

• The Employee is eligible for the following benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans:
  • Health Insurance: [Description of health insurance plan and eligibility requirements].
  • Dental Insurance: [Description of dental insurance plan and eligibility requirements].
  • Vision Insurance: [Description of vision insurance plan and eligibility requirements].
  • Paid Sick Days: Accrued in accordance with the Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act.
  • Vacation Time: [Description of vacation accrual policy].
  • Paid Holidays: [List of paid holidays observed].
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance: [Description of short-term disability insurance plan and eligibility requirements].
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance: [Description of long-term disability insurance plan and eligibility requirements].
  • Workers' Compensation: Provided in accordance with Illinois statute.
  • Employee Meal Program: [Description of employee meal program, if any].
  • Uniform/Equipment Allowance: [Description of uniform or equipment allowance, if any].
  • Continuing Food Safety/Culinary Training/Certification Reimbursement: [Description of reimbursement policy, if any].

6. Occupational Safety and Health

• The Employee shall comply with all Illinois Department of Public Health food safety standards.
• The Employee shall report any foodborne illness or injury per state and local procedures.
• The Employee has the right to refuse unsafe work.
• The Employer will provide and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) and first-aid supplies.
• The Employee shall adhere to all fire safety protocols.
• The Employer will notify the Employee of any health inspection results affecting employee duties.

7. Anti-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Anti-Harassment

• The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, arrest record, and any other characteristic protected by Illinois law.
• The Employer maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. Employees should report any incidents of harassment to [Designated Contact Person or Department].

8. Background Checks, Reference Checks, and Drug Tests

• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a [Background Check/Reference Check/Drug Test].
  • Option A: The Employer will obtain written authorization from the Employee prior to conducting any background check.
  • Option B: The Employer complies with Illinois' "Ban the Box" legislation.

9. Intellectual Property and Proprietary Information

• The Employee agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all recipes, menu development, kitchen processes, and supplier information acquired during employment.
  • Non-Compete: The Employer acknowledges that non-compete agreements are generally unenforceable for low-wage workers in Illinois, including cooks earning below the statutory threshold under the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Therefore, no non-compete is required or enforceable under this agreement.
• Non-Solicitation/Non-Disparagement:
  • Option A: The Employee agrees not to solicit the Employer's customers or employees for a period of [Number] months following termination of employment.
  • Option B: The Employee agrees not to disparage the Employer, its products, or its employees at any time, verbally or in writing.
  • Option C: No non-solicitation or non-disparagement terms apply.

10. Standards of Conduct and Appearance

• The Employee shall adhere to the Employer's dress code and hygiene policy, which complies with the Illinois Food Code.
• The Employee shall be punctual and maintain consistent attendance.
• The Employee is prohibited from using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances while on duty, as well as during off-duty hours if it affects their work performance or reputation of the employer, in accordance with Illinois law.
• No call/no show incidents will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
• The Employee shall participate in team meetings, tastings, or training refreshers as required.

11. Employment-at-Will and Termination

• The Employee's employment is at-will, meaning that either the Employee or the Employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to the terms outlined in this agreement.
• Voluntary Resignation: The Employee is requested to provide [Number] weeks' notice of resignation.
• Employer-Initiated Termination: The Employer may terminate the Employee's employment for cause or without cause.
• Final Wage Payment: The Employee's final wages will be paid in accordance with the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.
• Return of Company Property: Upon termination, the Employee shall return all company property, including uniforms, keys, and devices.
• Eligibility for Rehire: [State the conditions for rehire eligibility].
• Accrued but Unused Vacation/PTO: Accrued but unused vacation/PTO will be paid out according to Illinois law and company policy.

12. Dispute Resolution

• The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes informally.
• The Employer maintains a company complaint/grievance procedure, which is available to the Employee.
• This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.
• Choice of Forum:
  • Option A: Any legal action arising out of this Agreement shall be brought in the state courts of Illinois.
  • Option B: The parties agree to resolve any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

13. Required Postings and Employee Records

• The Employer will post all required Illinois Department of Labor information.
• The Employee has the right to review or request copies of their personnel file under the Illinois Personnel Record Review Act.

14. Employee Leave Policies and Unemployment Insurance

• The Employee is eligible for leave under the Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act, the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), and other applicable federal and Illinois leave laws.
• Upon termination, the Employee will receive information regarding their eligibility for Illinois unemployment insurance.
• Scheduling practices comply with locally mandated “secure scheduling” ordinances where applicable. [If not applicable, state "Not applicable."]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above. [Employer Name] By: [Employer Representative Name] Title: [Employer Representative Title] Date: [Date] [Employee Name] Signature: ____________________________ Date: [Date]