Is an Employee Handbook binding? Minnesota

[Tommie_45]

Our employee handbook is an online document via our intranet. There are no disclaimers or language that indicates that it is or is not a binding agreement or that the policies may change without notice. Under our benefits section it very clearly lays out a "referral bonus" for any employee who refers an employee after the new employees first 30 days. The policy is specific and it is simple.

I contacted our HR department about it after referring an employee. They tell me that they no longer honor the policy, despite the recent edit (10/30) to the online handbook.

Are they obligated to honor their written policy?

[cbg]

Whether an employee handbook is legally binding is dependent upon both state law and the exact wording of the handbook. You would have to take a print out of the handbook to a local attorney for a definite answer.

[Tommie_45]

Thanks! I appreciate it.