Massachusetts has recently enacted a new set of laws that affect non-compete agreements. In the past, non-compete agreements have been widely used in Massachusetts, but the new laws aim to limit their use and protect employees` rights.
The new law states that non-compete agreements in Massachusetts cannot be used for employees earning less than $80,000 per year. This means that employers cannot require low-wage workers to sign non-compete agreements as a condition of employment. Additionally, non-compete agreements can only be valid for up to one year after an employee’s termination.
The new law also restricts the geographic scope of non-compete agreements. Employers cannot use non-compete agreements to prevent employees from working in any location that is not in competition with the employer. For example, an employer cannot prohibit a software developer from working for a non-competitive software company based in California.
Another significant change is that non-compete agreements must be presented to employees at least 10 days before the employee starts working. Furthermore, the employee must be given a chance to consult with an attorney before agreeing to the non-compete agreement.
If an employer violates the new law, an employee can sue for damages. The employer may also face a fine of up to $5,000 per violation.
In summary, the new Massachusetts law on non-compete agreements aims to protect employee rights by limiting the use and scope of non-compete agreements. While these agreements can still be used for high-level employees, employers must be careful to follow the new guidelines to avoid costly lawsuits and fines. As a professional, it is crucial to understand the importance of staying up-to-date on legal changes in the industry to produce effective content.