[RC_ITR]

>with the understanding

If you want something to be true, get it in writing.

'Yeah, we're technically based in Seattle, but everyone is working from home anyway' is not a legal contract.

Sucks and the employees aren't to blame, just warning anyone else out there.

[macinjosh]

Ah ok, so I have an extended family member who was hired by AWS during the pandemic. This person was explicitly hired as remote so I assume that they do not have to RTO since it is in writing. I can’t really ask them for complicated family reasons also seems kinda rude to just ask haha. But I have been curious. I am glad to know they won’t have to move across the country again.

[JohnFen]

This can't be overstated.

If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. What you were told verbally means nothing. (Yes, technically a verbal contract is a binding contract, but if you can't prove in court that something was said, it doesn't matter.)

I assume that remote workers had an employment contract, though, and surely where and when they are expected to work was included in that.