Varney v. Ditmars

111 N.E.822 (1916)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

P was an architect and draftsman who applied to D for work. P quoted a rate of $40 per week but was employed at $35 per week. A short time thereafter P informed D that he had other work at $40 per week. D sweet-talked him into staying. About 6 months later, P and D sat and discussed work and D told P that he was going to give P $5 more per week and that next year he would give P a fair share of the profits made as well as his weekly salary if certain old work were completed. P was paid the new salary. The old work was also completed. On election day in November, D requested that all of his employees should work. P told D that he wanted to remain home and attend the election at his village. P did so, and D discharged him. P claims he was ill that day. P went to D and proclaimed his ability to work, and D denied any agreement with P. P sought to recover lost wages and lost profit sharing and sued for $1,680. P was the only witness to testify at trial, and the complaint was dismissed. P appealed.