Legal Question in Employment Law in Arizona
I am an independent contractor, I sign and purchase contracts to distribute products for major manufactures. One manufacture came to me with a significantly changed, new contract and told me if I didn't sign it they would terminate my current contract. They put it in a way of more or less saying that I would be in breach of my current contract if I didn't sign the new one. I refused to sign the new one and they terminated my contract for "cause", no such cause existed. I have 2 hours of recorded conversation (legal in Ariz) that proves this. Is this extortion and or labor racketeering? Do I have civil recourse besides breach of contract?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Thank you for the case description. Likely, the only claim you would have under the facts you described is one for breach of contract. I don't see any other legal claims. Thank you.
I agree with the previous attorney's answer. You would not likely have the claims you mentioned (good example of why you need to schedule time for a consultation with an attorney - perhaps a one hour flat fee consultation) so that he/she can review the old and the new submitted agreement. If they breached your old contract then you might have "benefit of the bargain" damages for what you would have earned under the old contract. The decision rule is: "If the cost of the attorney is less than the gain or loss, then hire the attorney - to the extent that you can afford.
Good luck to you.
Donald W. Hudspeth
Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth PC
3030 N. Central # 604
Phoenix, AZ 85012