6.7.2001

Written Contract May Not be the Last Word: Oregon Supreme Court Rules At-Will Provision in Contract Did Not Apply

The Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that verbal statements and conduct can override a written contract describing an at-will relationship with an independent contractor. At the same time, however, the Court also rejected the contractor’s claim that the company was liable to him in tort for breach of a duty of good faith based on their “special relationship.” Although this case concerned an independent contractor relationship and was decided under Oregon law, the ruling should serve as a reminder to employers elsewhere as well. View full article (PDF).