Got a non compete? Now it will stick…
Don Day | March 30, 2008Have a non-compete clause in your employment agreement? That’s the language common in media contracts that says you can’t work for the competition for a set period if you quit, or are terminated for cause. It’s used to help pin down “stars” and other talent — but can also extend down the food chain. Now the Idaho House and Senate have passed legislation that would shore up those rules. Seems Idaho courts have been reluctant to enforce the non-competes. There’s been several cases of folks being held off the air while the agreements tick away (Steve & Steph’s four month furlough between KZMG and KCIX in the late 90s — and I believe Mike & Kate sat out a while when the made the same move), but in general most attorneys would tell you they weren’t easy to enforce.
If Gov. Butch signs it — it’s a done deal. Details here.
(Disclosure: I have a non-compete clause in my employment contract)
Mine have always stuck, due to my ethical beliefs installed in me by my Mother and my inner belief. Though everytime I got drunk and fired I could always count on my former employer to look out for me in the meanwhile. Which is a trait I plan to pass on. Thank’s for the lesson. Deep down people have hearts in their ties and vest.
Will someone give me (byl) and Doug a job before we have to buy some low watt station in Elko. We have ratings and creepy glossy’s!
you may remember claudia weathermon’s attempt to challenge her non-compete when she went to fox from ch.6…that was upheld by a judge…she had to sit in the newsroom for 6 months before she could be on air
I can understand both sides of having a non-compete, but I have to praise my current boss, to whom I am very loyal. He has never forced me sign such a document, and I am very content because I don’t have such a weight always lying over me. And because of that, I am going on 9 years with the same company. I have worked under such contracts, especially in TV, where it literally transforms into a beast. Nevertheless, having worked in management, it can be an indispensable tool in preserving a good staff.
I have a company that has now sued me for a non compete clause they say I sighned which I have never done this but I am the bread winner in my family because I have a child that has Autism and my husband stays home to help him and when I quit my other job they never told me I could not go to work for another company. Now they are saying I have to quit this job and leave my family with nobody to work. I can not believe that in a right to work state that they could do this to people with out there knowledge I hope that we win but if not I will go all out to make sure that it can not happen to any one else again. Pray for me and my family
I understand them but if you are terminated how are you too move on and take of your family? I worked for a company for 3 1/2 yrs and they fired me to get someone that would work for nothing. Now I have only done this kind of work for 7 years and I am the main support for my family do you think its fair that I have to wait to work for 18 months??? If they fire you they should have to compensate you to be able to inforce the contract. If you were not good enough for them to keep why should they care what you go do?