The world has become too dependent on corporations and large business. They have driven small business down the tubes along with personal freedoms. A employment contract should cover all the details which this business did not provide. It will be difficult for the boss to prove his point in court without a contract. If you change the rules in the middle of the game you need a good reason.  Jobs are not to be ordered around like a slave and strip you of your freedoms. They are providing a service for a fee.