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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 25, 2017 04:21 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Donna Bullock |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Co-Sponsorship: Prohibiting Non-Compete Clauses for Low-Wage Workers |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to prohibit employers from including non-compete clauses in the employment contracts of low-wage workers. Non-compete clauses needlessly harm low-wage workers. Once restricted to employees at the executive level, their use is spreading to encompass lower levels of labor as part of a broad shift, allowing companies to assert ownership over a worker’s experience and future career. Affected workers find themselves prohibited from seeking an equal position in their field at the same wage and are often forced to accept a lower position for less pay. This proves especially harmful to workers earning lower wages. Currently, nearly one in five American workers are subject to some form of non-compete clause, placing them at a distinct disadvantage when seeking employment after leaving their current job. Although the majority of U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, place no restriction on these clauses, several states are moving to curb their use. Presently, only California completely forbids the use of non-compete clauses or agreements. All workers deserve the opportunity to provide for their families. In obtaining this goal, they should not be hindered when seeking to advance in their career. Instead, the use of non-compete clauses gives employers the advantage, putting their concerns before the needs of workers. We must move to level the playing field, removing this unfair advantage. I ask you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation, standing up for Pennsylvania’s workers. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (717) 787-3480. |
Introduced as HB1590