Retention Bonus

[frostyman]

Florida. I currently work for a large bank and would like to change companies. In Jan 01, when I tried to leave, they gave me a bonus to not leave and said I needed to stay for one year or they would get the bonus back from me. There is nothing in writing and several points that were part of the agreement for me to stay have not happened. If I choose to leave this company, can they indeed sue me for the bonus even though there is nothing in writing stating the specifics??

 

[loku]

Return of bonus

An oral agreement is valid; therefore, they have a right to the return of the bonus if you do not work the year. However, to win in court, they would have to prove that the agreement was for you to return the bonus, and if you deny that, it would be your word against theirs.