Federal & State Regulations | Employment contracts - Maryland

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.

Maryland does not have any provisions relative to union membership. It does have additional provisions related to employment contracts.

Union membership

It is against public policy for a contract made between and employer and employee requiring either union membership or non-membership as a condition of employment.

§4-304

Waiver due to disability

When entering into an employment contract, an individual who has suffered the loss or the loss of use of a hand, arm, foot, leg, or eye may waive any right to compensation to which he would be entitled because of the existing permanent partial disability in the event of a subsequent accidental personal injury or occupational disease. The waiver must be made in writing as part of the contract of employment or as a separate document.

§9-657

Waiver of rights

An employer and employee can not enter into an agreement to waive the employee’s rights or the employer’s responsibilities in regard to workers’ compensation. §9-104