Employer asking worker to sign a contract- contents Legal?

[Parvathi]

Hi,
In the company where I work, about 6 people left the company and joined a competitor. So, our employer is asking all of us to sign a contract which will bind us (for those who are left behind) not to work for a competitor for two years after we leave the current job. Is this legal? How can we counter this?

 

[buddy2bear]

They want you to sign a non-compete because they don't want to lose any more employees to competitors. 2 years is a bit long. Why don't you negotiate for say a 6 month term instead? It is not illegal for them to request that you sign this document. You just have to make sure that the terms are as favorable to you as to them. Also make sure the radius is reasonable.