<prompt> Human: Hello all, long time reader first time poster.So the title says it all. Unfortunately I work in an industry that depends on big oil companies for work, and with oil being what it is times are tough, I get it. I, like everyone else in the world, thinks I work hard for my money. Yes I should be thankful for employment I am, but I feel like my question is still legitimate. How can employers sign these employment contracts and then just renege on them? I mean if I worked out a deal with my mechanic to do a years worth of work for me for 60K and accepted but then changed my mind say 1 month into the contract and only paid 50K I would be sued so fast my head would spin. Assistant: What sort of contracts are you describing? What do they say are the consequences of the employer changing your compensation? Human: As far as I know just the typical offer of employment. 40hrs per week X 52 weeks per year X wage salary.edit: Nothing as per consequences of the employer changing your compensation, is that a thing?Assistant: So, youre saying theres no employment contact, and its at-will employment. The employer could lay you off for no reason at all, tomorrow.Or, you could quit, tomorrow. Its at-will employment. Theres no commitment either way, either for continued employment, or guaranteed compensation. There are actual employment contracts that stipulate duration, duties, compensation, termination clauses, etc. But it sounds like you dont have one of those. Or a union agreement, for that matter.Human: This is true, and that makes sense to me.I guess in this case signing a job offer or a form stating yes i accept this promotion really has no meaning.Thanks  <response>: Sure doesnt, in fact Im sure if you looked hard enough youd find the phrase this does not constitute a contract of employment and such an offer can only be made by a CEO and or board of directors. Betcha youll find it! 