Employment Contract for Masons and Bricklayers

What a good one includes

• A clear breakdown of the payment structure, whether it is an hourly wage, a salary, or a piece-rate based on the number of bricks or blocks laid.
• A strict safety clause mandating compliance with OSHA or local safety standards, including the mandatory use of personal protective equipment like steel-toe boots and respirators.
• An inclement weather policy that outlines how downtime, rainouts, or freezing temperatures affecting mortar setting will be communicated and paid.
• A detailed list specifying which tools the mason must bring to the job site and which heavy machinery or specialty equipment the employer will provide.
• For apprentice hires, a defined progression schedule showing how their hourly rate increases as they complete specific training hours or certification levels.
• A clear description of the physical requirements of the job, such as heavy lifting limits, repetitive bending, and extended standing on scaffolding.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Classifying a regular bricklayer as an independent contractor when their hours, tools, and methods are fully controlled by your business.
• Failing to define paid versus unpaid hours during unexpected rain delays or severe winter weather shutdowns.
• Neglecting to clarify who is financially responsible if a worker's personal tools are damaged, lost, or stolen on a shared job site.
• Omitting the specific supervision and ratio requirements mandated by local trade unions or governing bodies for apprentice bricklayers.

Frequently asked questions