Upgrade plan
Cancel plan
Settings
Change Password
Contact Us
[IA] Can an employer cancel a signed contract over training that was added after signing?
13
3
Full conversation
I'm a traveling healthcare worker with my current contract in Iowa. My new workplace says I gave to complete hours of online training modules before my start date. They say it's required or I can't start work. However, I'm fairly certain the modules fall under compensable work hours under IA labor code. My contract has already been signed and has a clear start date and the modules are nowhere mentioned in it. Can my work cancel my contract because I didn't start working before my start date?
I understand how concerning this situation must be for you. Can you tell me if the training modules were mentioned in any communication before you signed your contract?
They weren't.
Have you already completed any of the training modules, or are you being asked to complete them for the first time?
I've completed some of them, but only after pushing back that they're not in my contract. I was only repeatedly told they're "required," and now I'm being told I may not be allowed to start since not all of them are finished.
Is there anything else the Employment Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your contract dispute.
No.
Thank you for using our service! My name is Jessica and I am a licensed attorney that will be assisting you with your question. I understand you're dealing with a situation where your employer is requiring you to complete training modules not mentioned in your contract before your start date. Have you considered any specific actions or legal steps you might take in response to this situation?
I thought about telling them they'll just have to make time for the modules during orientation week, but there's a clause in the contract saying they can cancel the contract at any time, and my wife and I really need the money. So I want to know if there is any possible recourse if they cancel because I refused to work before the start date.
Could you tell me more about the specific clause in your contract that allows for cancellation? Understanding its wording could be important. Also, do you have any written communication or documentation from your employer about the training requirement? This could be helpful in assessing your situation.
Contract wording: "The staffing agency reserves its full rights during the term of the Agreement including the right to discharge the Contractor for cause and to cancel this Agreement on that account. The client company also has the right to cancel this Agreement and terminate the Contractor's services. In any such case of discharge, cancellation, and termination, the Contractor will be given a written and/or verbal notice that is effective as of the date mailed/emailed, communicated, or delivered. Contractor is responsible for any fines associated with the contract's services being discharged or terminated"
And I got an email (after signing the contract) saying "Welcome to the medical facility. You have been assigned the assigned training program, which is required for all new hires. This training must be completed before your contract start date, 07/08/2026."
Based on your situation, there are several legal arguments and considerations in Iowa that could potentially support your case:
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Iowa labor laws generally require that any training mandated by an employer, which is directly related to the job, be considered compensable work time. This means that if the training is required and directly related to your job duties, you should be compensated for the time spent completing it. Iowa's own wage payment statute, the Iowa Wage Payment Collection Law (Iowa Code Chapter 91A), similarly protects a worker's right to be paid for work an employer requires, which would extend to mandatory training time of this kind.
Your contract's clause allowing for termination "for cause" or cancellation by the client company is common, but it typically requires a valid reason related to job performance or conduct. If the training requirement was not disclosed before signing the contract, it could be argued that enforcing it as a condition for starting work might not constitute a valid cause for termination.
The email you received after signing the contract could be seen as a unilateral modification of the contract terms. Generally, any modification to a contract requires mutual consent from both parties. If the training requirement was not part of the original agreement, enforcing it could be considered a breach of contract.
Disclaimer
By messaging FreeLegalAdvice.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and FreeLegalAdvice.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
FreeLegalAdvice.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
