Can my work place do this?

[jfall]

I started with a company about 10 months ago. Upon being hired I signed a contract which I read fully. Yesterday I asked my boss if I could get a copy of the contract, he kept asking why, I just kept saying that I wanted to review it. He then said that he cant give me a copy because he doesn't want it to leave the building. So I asked if I could read it, he said I could only read it if him and another boss were present.

Is this legal? am I not allowed to have a copy of the contract?

 

[Jzero]

I dunno about the legalities, but I won't sign any contract if I can't take home a copy of the signed original. They could change the contract and you would have no proof.

 

[K1052]

Something stinks.

 

[torpid]

I really doubt it. You were supposed to get a copy of the contract when you signed it, I believe. I highly doubt they can deny you a copy of your contract.

 

[dabuddha]

I would never have signed a contract without receiving a copy.

 

[Xionide]

THEY OWN YOUR SOUL!

-Xionide

 

[azazyel]

life lesson: never sign a contract with red ink because it might not be ink!:Q

 

[jfall]

Hmm, I have heard the same... most people get a copy to take home. I'm really not sure why they are giving me a hard time over it.

But, is this actually a labor law? How would I go about finding out if it a law where I live?

 

[NesuD]

In the states you have the right to examine your employment file in many states. Don't really know about Canadian rules and regs on such things. I would contact whatever goverment agency is responsible for enforcing labor law in Canada and inquire about your rights on this subject. It seems odd to me that they would have you sign a contract but are unwilling to let you have a copy for your own records. still if they are willing to let you examine it in their presence at least do that so that you can clear up whatever question you may have about it. If it is a legally binding contract i would expect you would have a right to possess a copy of it. Most companies here have strict policies about copying company documents. I would think this is different though since you are a participant in the contract then that would give you rights to possession of /or reasonable access to the document.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: jfall
Hmm, I have heard the same... most people get a copy to take home. I'm really not sure why they are giving me a hard time over it.

But, is this actually a labor law? How would I go about finding out if it a law where I live?

I've never not been given a copy of my contract in Ontario, and I've never been denied the opportunity to see my work record (only had occasion to ask once though).

If you have serious reasons for wanting to see the contract, contact either the provincial or federal labour folks (in the government part of the phone book). There is no way you can be denied the right to see it, and I highly doubt that you are not absolutely entitled to a copy. If three is only one copy right now, the restriction of having them in the room actually makes sense (so you can't tamper with it) but denying you your own signed copy does not make sense.

 

[Beattie]

You have the right to see and have a copy of any contract which you are bound to. If they wont give it to you, then that invalidates the contract (And I believe leaves them liable for breaking it). Contact a lawyer if you want to force thier hand in this.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: Beattie
You have the right to see and have a copy of any contract which you are bound to. If they wont give it to you, then that invalidates the contract (And I believe leaves them liable for breaking it). Contact a lawyer if you want to force thier hand in this.

You're almost certainly right, but he did point out that he lives in Canada; I the Ministry of labour or similar body is definitely the way to go; they may have a website where you can figure out the rules on your own, or you can call them. It won't cost anything, unlike a lawyer; hopefully you'll get the whole thing resolved without anyone else having to be directly involved.

 

[neonerd]

Originally posted by: K1052
Something stinks.

 

[NuclearNed]

Your boss is hurriedly changing the wording of the contract to include the phrase "willing sex slave".

 

[Nitemare]

Does your boss have a reddish complexion, 2 pointy lumps on his forehead and carry around a pitchfork?