Is this legal ?

[kkat]

What is the name of your state? Texas
I work for a very large corporation. Lately, many employees have found higher paying jobs in the same industry as ours and have quit.
Now personal is asking some employees to sign a two year contract stating they cannot work for any company that is a client or competitor.
Is this legal ?

 

[ENASNI]

Just guessing

I think its called a non-compete agreement...I believe they have to offer you some kind of benefit along with it.
It must be of a reasonable nature.

cbg or beth will be along...
I am just learning here.. they are the big guns

they will say if it is legal after so many years of employment and such
... just giving you something to Google...

You do Google don't you?

 

[cbg]

Non compete agreements are legal, but at least in my state a two year period would be unenforceable. You may want to show a copy of it to a Texas attorney and see whether or not they can hold you to it.

P.S. They can fire you for not signing it, EVEN IF it is not enforceable.

 

[ENASNI]

yup

see... told you...
I think cbg means Certified Big Gun...

How ya doin' cbg?... keeping away from construction sites and all?

Learning a lot from you lady... but still stay away from this part of the boards...(a bit boring... and a little sad sometimes.) Plus I can't believe how much you help and you make me feel bad because I am snippy and you are so nice..

Creep!

Ps sorry about the creep thing... you know I was kidding... was I right about the benefits having to be offered? No hijac information being offered in case OP does not sign and does what his previous co-workers have done...
(that should keep SJ off my back...)

 

[cbg]

Me? On a construction site? Surely you jest. I can't hammer a nail straight. And if you're referring to SJ's question, I ain't a cop (though I have friends who are).

Doing good, sweetie. Glad I can help.

Yes, technically you are right that a benefit has to be offered, but what is considered a benefit varies with the situation and the state. In some cases, being allowed to keep your job is considered an appropriate benefit for signing a non-compete.

The laws on non-competes are all over the map.

 

[kkat]

Thanks for the info. I will take your advice and consult with an attorney if I am approched though I doubt that will happen as I am not important enough for such a consideration.