Legal Question in Employment Law in New York

Signing Bonus Contract Legality

I signed an agreement with my employer regarding a signing bonus. The agreement basically states that I am to receive a $10,000 bonus in two payments. The first payment is to be received within 2 weeks of the beginning of my employment. I am required to return

the full $5,000 if I am fired or resign before I have been employed for less than a year. After 6 months of employment, I am to receive the remaining $5,000. If I if I am fired or resign before I have been employed for a year, I am required to repay the second payment of $5,000. In other words, if I am fired or resign before a year is up, I am required to return all monies paid from the bonus. Is this legal in New York State?


Asked on 4/11/01, 9:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Harold M. Weiner Coles & Weiner, P.C.

Re: Signing Bonus Contract Legality

That is no bonus. That is a joke. It is legal but it is nothing. All they have to do is fire you to collect it back. A greater incentive to do just that, I cannot imagine. Yeah, its legal. In New York you are entitled to nothing, absent a collective bargaining agreement or a real contract.

Read more
Answered on 6/08/01, 10:58 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in New York