Maryland retail sales associate employment contract template

Maryland Retail Sales Associate Employment Contract

Agreement

This Maryland Retail Sales Associate Employment Contract (the "Agreement") is made and effective as of [Date], by and between [Employer Name], located at [Employer Address] ("Employer"), and [Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address] ("Employee").

Position

Employee is hired as a Retail Sales Associate.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Greeting customers and providing excellent customer service.
• Operating Point of Sale (POS) systems and processing cash and credit card transactions.
• Developing and maintaining thorough product knowledge.
• Restocking shelves and displays.
• Conducting inventory counts.
• Maintaining store displays and cleanliness.
• Handling price changes and markdowns according to store policy.
• Executing upselling and cross-selling strategies.
• Meeting individualized sales targets (if applicable).
• Assisting in merchandise receiving.
• Managing returns and exchanges in accordance with Maryland consumer protection laws.
• Observing loss prevention protocols.
• Compliance with customer privacy and data protection policies.

Reporting Hierarchy

Employee will report directly to [Direct Supervisor Title].

Ultimately, the employee reports to [Store Manager Title].

Responsibilities may also include floor coverage during scheduled shifts and breaks.

Work Location

Primary work location: [Store Address], located in Maryland.

Option A: Employee may be required to work at other store locations within [Radius, e.g., 25 miles] of the primary location.

Option B: Employee will not be required to work at locations other than the primary work location.

The Employer complies with the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act.

Employment Status and Hours

This is a full-time retail position.

Scheduled hours: [Number] hours per week.

Minimum/Maximum weekly hours: [Minimum Number] - [Maximum Number] hours, based on retail operational needs.

Days/Hours of Work: [Specify Days, e.g., Monday-Friday], including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Meal and rest breaks will be provided in accordance with Maryland law.

Option A: On-call availability may be required.

Option B: On-call availability is not required.

The employer will provide advance notice of scheduling and shift changes as required by the Maryland Flexible Leave Act. Overtime may be required, subject to Maryland wage and hour law.

Compensation

Hourly wage: [Dollar Amount] per hour, which is at or above the Maryland minimum wage.

Overtime will be calculated and paid in accordance with Maryland law (1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek).

Option A: Shift differential of [Dollar Amount] per hour for [Specific Shift, e.g., evening shifts].

Option B: No shift differential will be provided.

Method of Wage Payment: [Check/Direct Deposit/Paycard], in compliance with Maryland rules.

Pay Period: [Weekly/Bi-weekly/Semi-monthly].

Pay Date: [Specify Date].

Option A: Commission/Sales Incentive Plan: Employee is eligible for commissions/sales incentives as detailed in Exhibit A.

Option B: Employee is not eligible for commissions or sales incentives.

Employer will provide itemized wage statements as required by Maryland law.

Benefits

Option A: Employee is eligible for the following benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plans:

• Health Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Paid Leave (including Maryland-mandated sick/safe leave).
• Maryland Family Leave Benefits (if applicable).
• Holiday Pay.
• Vacation Accrual (subject to Maryland payout rules upon separation).
• 401(k) or other retirement plan.
• Staff/Store Discounts.
• Uniforms or allowance of [Dollar amount].
• Free or reduced parking/commuting benefits.

Option B: Employee is not eligible for benefits at this time.

Training

Employee will participate in mandatory onboarding, including training on sexual harassment prevention and loss prevention.

Employee will participate in ongoing product/category and safety training.

Option A: Employer may require certification in alcohol/tobacco sales.

Option B: Certification in alcohol/tobacco sales is not required.

Retail Associate Conduct

Employee must comply with all store policies and Maryland criminal law regarding theft.

Employee must ensure accuracy in cash handling.

Employee is prohibited from providing unauthorized discounts or engaging in gift card fraud.

Employee must safeguard customer data under Maryland’s Personal Information Protection Act.

Confidentiality

Employee must maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary store information, including pricing, marketing strategies, and customer data, both during and after employment.

Media/Social Media Policy

Employee must comply with the company's media/social media policy regarding in-store promotions and advertising, and restrictions on public statements about the Employer.

Non-Retaliation

Employer prohibits retaliation against employees for reporting workplace safety violations or wage claims, in compliance with Maryland whistleblower protections.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace

Option A: Employer maintains a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace policy, including pre-employment and/or random testing.

Option B: Employer does not maintain a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace policy.

The Employer complies with Maryland's Medical Cannabis laws.

Regulated Goods

Option A: Employee will be required to handle regulated goods (e.g., alcohol, lottery tickets) per COMAR and Maryland’s underage sale laws.

Option B: Employee will not be required to handle regulated goods.

Dress Code and Personal Appearance

Employee must adhere to the store's dress code and personal appearance standards. [Specific Dress Code Details].

Injury Reporting and Workers' Compensation

Employee must immediately report any work-related injuries to their supervisor. Employer maintains workers' compensation coverage in compliance with Maryland law.

Fair Employment Practices

Employer complies with all Maryland fair employment practices, including anti-harassment, equal opportunity, wage transparency, and non-discrimination protections based on gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, and other protected categories under Maryland law.

Employee may file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.

Discipline, Attendance, and Timekeeping

Employer maintains standards for discipline, attendance, and accurate timekeeping. Maryland law prohibits wage theft. Employer retains records as required by law.

At-Will Employment

Employment is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Upon termination, the Employer will provide a written statement of termination reasons if requested, as required by the Maryland service letter law.

Wages due will be paid in compliance with Maryland law.

Employee must return all uniforms and store property upon termination.

Rehire eligibility will be determined by Employer policy.

Employer will provide references according to company policy.

Background Checks and Employment Eligibility Verification

Employer conducts background checks in compliance with Maryland “ban-the-box” law.

Option A: Employer participates in E-Verify.

Option B: Employer does not participate in E-Verify.

Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation

Employer acknowledges the restrictions on non-compete and non-solicitation agreements for retail associates under Maryland Business Regulation §3-716.

Option A: Employee agrees to maintain the confidentiality of Employer's proprietary information.

Option B: No separate confidentiality agreement is required.

Grievance Procedure

Employee may utilize the internal grievance procedure, escalating issues to HR.

Dispute Resolution:

• Option A: Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the state courts of Maryland.
• Option B: Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Maryland, conducted by [Arbitration Service Name].
• Maryland law governs this contract.

Policy Updates

Employer may update store policies or the employee handbook. Employee must acknowledge receipt and review of new policies.

Contact Information

Employee must maintain current contact information and emergency contact details on file with the Employer.

Employer may communicate with employees via [Method of Communication, e.g., email, text].

Severability and Entire Agreement

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral. This Agreement may only be modified in writing and signed by both parties.

Acknowledgement

Employee acknowledges receipt and understanding of this Agreement and all stated Maryland statutory notices (e.g., Maryland Unemployment Insurance, Right to Work, and Minimum Wage and Overtime Law poster notifications).

[Employer Representative Name]

[Employer Representative Title]

[Employee Name]

[Date]