Is an employer allowed to change an employee’s terms and conditions without their agreement?

In Washington, an employer is generally not allowed to change an employee’s terms and conditions without their agreement. Generally, employers must provide an employee with written notification of any changes to their terms and conditions of employment, including changes in wages, hours, or any other aspect of the employment relationship. Unless the employee explicitly agrees to these changes in writing, the employer is violating the law if they make changes without their agreement. According to Washington state law, employees are also allowed to rely on their initial employment agreement, called an “implied contract.” An implied contract is an employment agreement where the terms are assumed by both parties, though no formal documentation exists. This means that any changes in terms and conditions must be agreed upon by both the employer and employee, and if either party fails to agree to the new terms, then the employer cannot implement the changes. The law also provides employees certain rights when it comes to changes in employment terms. If a change is significant enough, the employer is required to provide the employee with at least 30 days to review the changes and decide whether or not to accept them. During the review period, the employee is allowed to discuss their concerns with their supervisor or employer and even seek legal advice. In short, employers in Washington are not allowed to change an employee’s terms and conditions without their agreement. For significant changes, the employer must provide the employee with a defined period of time to review the changes and decide whether to accept them. This ensures that employees have the power to protect their rights and remain in agreement with any changes to their employment.

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