Is Employee Handbook a Contract?

[katrinagardener]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

Is an Employee Handbook that is given to all employee's considered a contract? They make us sign that we received it. Does my employer have to follow their rules it this HandBook even though we are an "At Will" Employee? This handbook is very vague in some areas, and Magement makes up rules when the situation arises, but then we are told to follow the HandBook.

Thank-you in advance!

 

[pattytx]

Unlikely. Most handbooks have disclaimers that state that the handbook is NOT, in fact, a contract, that policies can be changed at any time, and that exceptions can be made at the employer's discretion. Even without the disclaimers, it is almost unheard of for a handbook to be legally binding upon the employer.

 

[cbg]

With very rare, situation-specific exceptions, an employee handbook is not a contract. The employer has the option of making exceptions to the guidelines in the handbook if he finds it necessary. The employees do not have that option.

Unfair, possibly, but legal.