Kentucky cook employment contract template

Kentucky Cook Employment Contract

This Kentucky Cook Employment Contract (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of [Date] by and between:

• [Employer Full Legal Name], located at [Employer Full Address], hereinafter referred to as “Employer,” and
• [Employee Full Legal Name], residing at [Employee Full Address], hereinafter referred to as “Employee.”

1. Employment

• The Employer hereby employs the Employee as a Cook.
  • Option A: Line Cook
  • Option B: Prep Cook
  • Option C: Sous Chef
  • Option D: Other: [Specify Cook Category]

2. Duties

• The Employee's duties shall include, but not be limited to:
  • Food preparation and cooking.
  • Plating and presentation of dishes.
  • Inventory management and ordering.
  • Proper storage of ingredients in accordance with Kentucky Department of Public Health (KDPH) food safety standards.
  • Handling and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
  • Kitchen cleaning and sanitation.
  • Waste disposal.
  • Maintaining workstations to meet KDPH food safety standards.
  • Adherence to local, state, and federal food safety regulations, including ongoing compliance with applicable KDPH food handler certification, temperature logging protocols for prepared food, and mandatory reporting of any foodborne illness or contamination issues as per Kentucky food code statutes.

3. Reporting

• The Employee will report directly to:
  • Option A: [Kitchen Manager Name], Kitchen Manager.
  • Option B: [Executive Chef Name], Executive Chef.
• Escalation procedures for workplace disputes or safety issues will follow the company’s policy outlined in the Employee Handbook, or in the absence of such handbook, should be directed to the employer's manager, [Manager Name].
• The Employee is expected to work cooperatively with all kitchen staff and front-of-house personnel.

4. Work Location

• The Employee's primary work location is: [Restaurant Name] at [Restaurant Full Address] in Kentucky.
  • Option A: The Employee may be temporarily assigned to other locations, special events, or catering events as needed.
  • Option B: There are no temporary work assignments anticipated at this time.

5. Full-Time Status, Hours, and Breaks

• The Employee is hired as a full-time employee.
• Standard weekly hours: [Number of Hours] hours per week.
• Shift structure: [Specify Days of Week and Typical Hours, e.g., Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM]
  • The Employer will provide meal breaks and rest breaks in compliance with Kentucky law. The Employee will receive a [Number] minute unpaid meal break after [Number] hours of work.
• Overtime: Employee will be paid one and one-half (1.5) times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Kentucky law.
  • Overtime must be pre-approved by [Name of Approving Authority].

6. Compensation

• The Employee's hourly wage/salary is [Dollar Amount] per [Hour/Week].
• Pay frequency: [Weekly/Bi-weekly].
• Overtime pay will be calculated in accordance with Kentucky state law.
  • Option A: A shift differential of [Dollar Amount] per hour will be paid for hours worked between [Start Time] and [End Time].
  • Option B: A bonus of [Dollar Amount] will be paid quarterly based on meeting performance targets for food cost management, kitchen cleanliness, or customer satisfaction.
  • Option C: The Employer offers no additional shift differentials or bonuses.

7. Benefits

• Benefits may include:
  • Health insurance: Eligibility begins [Date/After a waiting period of X days].
  • Dental insurance: Eligibility begins [Date/After a waiting period of X days].
  • Vision insurance: Eligibility begins [Date/After a waiting period of X days].
  • Retirement plan: Eligibility and details are outlined in the 401k plan documents.
  • Paid time off (PTO): Accrual rate is [Number] days per year.
  • Kentucky-recognized holidays: [List of Holidays].
  • Meal or food discounts: Employees receive a [Percentage]% discount on meals.
  • Uniform or equipment stipends: [Dollar Amount] per year.
  • Job-related training: The employer will provide KDPH-sanctioned food safety or allergy training.

8. Occupational Health

• The Employer maintains workers' compensation insurance coverage in accordance with Kentucky law.
• In the event of a workplace injury, the Employee must immediately report the injury to [Supervisor Name] and complete the required incident report forms.
• The Employee has the right to choose their medical provider as per Kentucky workers' compensation requirements.
• Employees are expected to report any unsafe conditions to their supervisor immediately.

9. Alcohol and Drug Testing

• Option A: As a condition of employment, the Employee may be subject to alcohol and drug testing in accordance with Kentucky law and company policy. [Specify Details]
• Option B: The Employer does not conduct alcohol or drug testing at this time.

10. Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination

• The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the Kentucky Civil Rights Act and all applicable federal laws.
• The Employer prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected category.
• Employees who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment should report the incident to [HR Contact/Supervisor Name].

11. Health Checks

• Option A: The Employee may be required to undergo periodic health checks or screenings as mandated by the Employer, KDPH, or local ordinances.
• Option B: The Employer does not require health checks or screenings at this time, except as required by law.

12. Kitchen Hygiene and Personal Appearance

• The Employee must adhere to strict kitchen hygiene and personal appearance standards relevant to food service and Kentucky health codes. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Wearing clean clothing and a hair restraint.
  • Frequent handwashing.
  • Adhering to jewelry policies.

13. Time Off Requests and Absences

• Requests for time off, shift swaps, or substitutions must be submitted to [Supervisor Name] at least [Number] days in advance.
• Unexcused absences and tardiness may result in disciplinary action in accordance with Kentucky wage and hour rules and company policy.

14. Intellectual Property

• Any unique recipes, menus, or food concepts created by the Employee during their employment shall be the property of the Employer.
• The Employee must maintain the confidentiality of proprietary recipes and trade secrets used in the kitchen.

15. Confidentiality

• The Employee shall maintain the confidentiality of customer information, business practices, supplier agreements, and internal procedures.
• This confidentiality obligation shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

16. Conduct

• The Employee shall maintain professional and respectful conduct in the kitchen, adhering to the Employer's policies regarding personal conduct, use of electronic devices, smoking/vaping, and relationships with coworkers.
• The Employee acknowledges that this is an at-will employment relationship, meaning that either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, subject to Kentucky law. The final paycheck will be issued in accordance with Kentucky wage payment timing law.

17. Return of Property

• Upon termination of employment, the Employee shall return all Employer property, including uniforms, keys, and equipment.

18. Discipline and Termination

• The Employer may discipline or terminate the Employee's employment for cause, including but not limited to gross misconduct, persistent rule violations, or unsafe practices.
  • Option A: The Employer follows a progressive discipline policy. [Specify Details or Reference Employee Handbook]
  • Option B: The Employer does not utilize a progressive discipline policy.

19. Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality

• The Employee agrees not to solicit employees or customers of the Employer during their employment and for a period of [Number] months following termination.
• The Employee acknowledges that the confidential information they learn during their employment is valuable and agrees not to disclose or use it for their own benefit or the benefit of others.
  • Option A: The employee will not work in a substantially similar position for any competing business within a [Number] mile radius of the Employer’s business for a period of [Number] months following termination. The Employee acknowledges that this limited non-compete clause is necessary to protect the Employer’s legitimate business interests.
  • Option B: The Employer has no non-compete agreement.

20. Dispute Resolution

• Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved through internal grievance reporting, followed by mediation or arbitration, as agreed upon by both parties.
• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

21. Compliance with Laws

• The Employee shall comply with all applicable Kentucky and local health, occupational safety, and minimum wage laws, including both federal minimum wage and any higher local requirements.

22. Immigration/Work Eligibility

• The Employee must provide documentation demonstrating their eligibility to work in the United States as required by law (I-9 compliance).

23. Accommodations

• The Employer will make reasonable accommodations for disabilities in accordance with Kentucky and federal anti-discrimination laws. Employees requiring accommodations should submit a request to [HR Contact/Supervisor Name].

24. Governing Law

• The laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky shall govern this agreement.

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

____________________________
[Employer Full Legal Name]

By: ____________________________
[Employer Representative Name]

Title: ____________________________

____________________________
[Employee Full Legal Name]