If a term contract with salary is terminated by employer due to economy does the employer owe remaining salaries?

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1. Licensed in OR

   

   Joel ChristiansenPro

   Portland Employment / Labor Attorney

   Contributor Level 7

   

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   Answered May 01, 2009 20:59. It is impossible to answer this without knowing the details of your contract. A couple insights though. If your employer promised you continued employment for a certain period of time, that is a promise. If your employer breaks its part of the bargain, then yes, you could be entitled to damages. However, those damages are not necessarily equal to the remainder of the salary stated in the contract. You have a duty to "mitigate" your damages. In other words, you need to look for a job. If you get a job next week, you are probably not entitled to received a salary under your employer's breached contract.
   
   Likewise, your employer may have defenses. So, the bottom line is that you should speak with a competent employment attorney here in Oregon -- preferably one who understands contractual issues related to employment.
   
   Good luck!

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