More than a formality
An employment contract is the document that clearly establishes what the company expects from you and what you’re entitled to expect from it — it prevents misunderstandings and protects both sides.
The most common types
- Indefinite term: no end date.
- Fixed term: a set duration, within legal limits.
- Probationary: an initial period to see if it works out, usually up to 90 days.
- Intermittent: you work only when called, based on demand.
Does safety belong in the contract?
Safety law applies regardless of what’s written in the contract — but a well-drafted one can make clear who provides what, avoiding confusion later.
A clear contract prevents disputes down the road
When role, hours, and conditions are well defined from the start, it becomes much harder for a legal dispute to arise later.
A detail that can complicate things
Using the wrong type of contract for the wrong situation — like intermittent for someone working fixed hours — can lead a court to recognize a different type of employment relationship, with all the implications that brings.