Louisiana cook employment contract template

Louisiana Cook Employment Contract

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

• [Employer Name], a [State of Formation] [Entity Type], with its principal place of business at [Employer Address], hereinafter referred to as "Employer,"

and

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

1. Employment:

• The Employer hereby employs the Employee, and the Employee hereby accepts employment with the Employer, as a Cook.
• Option A: The specific designation is [Specific Cook Position, e.g., Line Cook, Prep Cook].
• Option B: The Employee will perform all duties typically associated with the position of Cook.

2. Job Responsibilities:

• The Employee shall be responsible for performing the following duties:
• Preparing food items according to standardized recipes and procedures.
• Cooking, portioning, and plating menu items.
• Measuring ingredients accurately.
• Adhering to specific recipes.
• Monitoring cooking times and temperatures.
• Preparing menu items according to demand.
• Operating and cleaning kitchen equipment safely.
• Receiving and inspecting food deliveries.
• Restocking and organizing storage areas.
• Maintaining food safety and sanitation standards as required by the Louisiana Department of Health.

3. Culinary Certifications and Compliance:

• The Employee is required to possess and maintain valid certifications as required by Louisiana regulations, including:
• Option A: ServSafe certification.
• Option B: Food Handler Card.
• Option C: [Other Certifications].
• The Employee shall comply with all relevant state and local health codes, food handling laws, workplace safety regulations, and allergy protocols.

4. Work Location:

• The Employee's primary work location shall be at: [Work Location Address].
• Option A: The Employee may be required to work at other premises owned or operated by the Employer.
• Option B: The Employee may be required to work at catering or offsite locations.

5. Work Schedule:

• The Employee's work schedule shall be: [Days of the Week], from [Start Time] to [End Time].
• Option A: The Employee's work schedule may be subject to change with reasonable notice.
• Option B: The Employee is expected to work additional hours as needed, including emergency, holiday, or event work.
• The Employee is expected to work approximately [Number] hours per week.

6. Meal and Rest Breaks:

• The Employee shall be entitled to meal and rest breaks in accordance with Louisiana law and company policy.
• Option A: The Employee shall receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break for each shift exceeding 5 hours.
• Option B: The Employee shall receive a 15-minute paid rest break for each 4 hours worked.
• Option C: [Other Arrangement].

7. Compensation:

• The Employer shall pay the Employee an hourly wage of [Dollar Amount] per hour or a salary of [Dollar Amount] per [Pay Period, e.g., week, bi-week].
• Option A: The Employee is eligible for overtime pay at a rate of one and one-half (1.5) times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek.
• Option B: The Employee is [Exempt/Non-Exempt] from overtime pay pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Louisiana state law.
• The Employee will be paid [Weekly/Bi-weekly].
• If applicable: The Employer intends to utilize a tip credit. Employee acknowledges and agrees that tips received may be used as a credit toward the minimum wage requirement to the extent permitted by Louisiana and federal law. Employer will comply with all applicable tip pooling rules, obtain employee consent, and maintain accurate records.

8. Bonuses and Gratuities:

• Option A: The Employee is eligible for performance-based bonuses as determined by the Employer.
• Option B: The Employee is eligible to participate in a shared gratuity pool, with distribution determined according to company policy.
• Option C: The Employee may receive a sign-on bonus of [Dollar Amount] payable according to the following schedule: [Payment Schedule].

9. Benefits:

• The Employee may be eligible for the following benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plans:
• Option A: Health insurance. Eligibility and waiting periods apply.
• Option B: Dental insurance. Eligibility and waiting periods apply.
• Option C: Vision insurance. Eligibility and waiting periods apply.
• Option D: Paid vacation. Accrual rate: [Accrual Rate].
• Option E: Sick leave. Accrual rate: [Accrual Rate]. (Note: Not required by Louisiana law.)
• Option F: [Number] paid holidays per year, recognized by Louisiana.
• Option G: Meal allowance or on-duty meals provided.
• Option H: Uniforms and equipment provided.
• Option I: Reimbursement for required certifications.

10. Reporting Structure:

• The Employee shall report directly to [Supervisor Name and Title].
• The Employee is expected to collaborate effectively with co-workers and participate in team meetings and kitchen briefings.

11. Kitchen Conduct and Behavioral Policies:

• The Employee shall adhere to the Employer's kitchen conduct and behavioral policies, including:
• Compliance with Louisiana's drug testing statutes (if applicable).
• Maintaining personal hygiene.
• Following the kitchen safety dress code.
• Adhering to grooming standards.
• Using communication protocols in emergency or hazardous situations.

12. Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity:

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including the Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law and any applicable parish ordinances. The Employer prohibits all forms of workplace harassment. Procedures for reporting and resolution of harassment are outlined in the Employee Handbook.

13. Intellectual Property:

Any recipes, menus, or specialty dishes developed by the Employee during their employment shall be the sole property of the Employer. The Employee shall not share this information externally.

14. Confidentiality:

The Employee shall maintain the confidentiality of proprietary recipes, menus, customer information, vendor pricing, and business-sensitive operational practices, both during and after employment.

15. Food Safety and Allergen Control:

The Employee shall comply with all Louisiana Department of Health and OSHA food safety, allergen control, and reporting requirements for food-borne illnesses. The Employee shall attend periodic food safety and first-aid trainings as required. The Employee shall report any injury or illness in compliance with Louisiana workers' compensation statutes.

16. Non-Compete/Non-Solicit/Non-Disclosure:

• Option A: Non-Compete: Employee agrees that during employment and for a period of [Number, not exceeding 2] years following termination, Employee will not be employed by, consult for, or own any interest in any business similar to Employer's within the following parishes/municipalities: [List of Parishes/Municipalities where Employer Operates]. This restriction is limited to roles similar to Employee's role at Employer (e.g., chef-level position).
• This clause is only enforceable to the extent permitted by Louisiana law.
• Option B: Non-Solicitation: Employee agrees not to solicit or recruit Employer's employees or clients during employment and for a period of [Number, not exceeding 2] years following termination. This restriction applies only within the parishes/municipalities where the Employer operates: [List of Parishes/Municipalities where Employer Operates].
• This clause is only enforceable to the extent permitted by Louisiana law.
• Option C: Non-Disclosure: Employee agrees to maintain the confidentiality of Employer’s confidential information (as defined in Section 14) indefinitely.
• Option D: No Non-Compete/Non-Solicit Clause.

17. At-Will Employment:

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 provisions below regarding final pay.

18. Termination:

• Option A: Voluntary Termination: The Employee shall provide the Employer with [Number] days' written notice of resignation.
• Option B: Involuntary Termination: The Employer may terminate the Employee's employment at any time, with or without cause.
• Option C: Final Pay: Upon termination, the Employee shall receive all earned wages and accrued but unused PTO in accordance with Louisiana law (i.e., on the next regular payday or within 15 days of termination, whichever is earlier). The Employee shall return all uniforms and equipment owned by the Employer.

19. Summary Dismissal:

The Employer may summarily dismiss the Employee for gross misconduct, food safety violations, intoxication at work, or other serious breaches of company policy. The Employer will conduct a reasonable investigation before summary dismissal, and the Employee shall have the right to appeal the decision.

20. Dispute Resolution:

The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement through informal discussions. If informal resolution is not possible, the parties agree to consider mediation or arbitration in Louisiana, subject to the enforceability of such agreements under Louisiana law.

21. Compliance with Louisiana Law:

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana, including but not limited to its "right to work" provisions, wage payment statutes, and employer record retention obligations. The Employer shall maintain all required notice postings in the workplace.

22. Vehicle Operation (If Applicable):

If the Employee's role involves operating vehicles or making deliveries, the Employee must possess a valid driver's license and maintain adequate insurance coverage as required by Louisiana vehicle laws.

23. Background Checks (If Applicable):

For cooks employed in school, elder care, or healthcare settings, the Employee acknowledges and agrees to comply with all applicable state and federal background check, fingerprinting, or abuse registry mandates.

24. Collective Bargaining Agreement (If Applicable):

If the Employee's position is unionized or covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the terms of the CBA shall govern the employment relationship to the extent they conflict with this Agreement.

25. Acknowledgment of Employer Policies:

The Employee acknowledges receipt of the Employer's Employee Handbook and agrees to comply with all policies set forth therein, including but not limited to kitchen safety, harassment prevention, social media, and conflict-of-interest rules. 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]