Federal & State Regulations | Employment contracts - Kentucky

State Info

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Federal law generally does not regulate employment contracts between employers and employees with one exception: contracts that require the joining or refraining from joining of a labor union as a condition of employment. On the federal level, these contracts are governed by the National Labor Relations Act. States may have a corresponding provision and may also have additional provisions regarding employment contracts.

Kentucky law does not specifically contain a provision relating to employment contracts and labor union membership. The law does, however, contain the following provisions:

Employment rights

An employer may not as a condition of employment require an employee or prospective employee to waive, arbitrate or diminish any rights, claims or benefits to which that person is entitled under Kentucky Statutes or federal law. §336.700

Waiver of rights

An employee can not be required to enter into an agreement to waive his or her rights to unemployment compensation benefits, nor agree to pay any portion of the employer’s required contributions. §341.470

Workers’ compensation

An employee can not be required to enter into an agreement to pay any portion of the employer’s required premium for workers’ compensation insurance. §342.420