Can my company force me into an ownership position?
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Can my company force me into an ownership position?
This would require me to come up with upfront money. Buying in is required to take over my bosses position as a department head. I don’t want the position or to be an owner. Buying in also requires me to sign a non-compete. I am getting pressure to buy in. Boss gave me a hypothetical, “He may be force to hire his future replacement if I don’t take it the offer. If he does it and work slows down he may have to let me go”. Is this legal?
Asked on November 12, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If you don't currently have an employment contract, you are an employee at will. As an employee at will, you could be terminated at any time for any reason; alternately, the employer may place any conditions it likes on your further employment, such as that you have to buy into the company as an owner. So yes, this is legal.
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