Non-compete agreements have become a very prevalent and quarrelsome topic regarding employment contracts in modern labor markets. These agreements are designed to restrict employees from competing with their current employers during and after their employment. The foundational support for such contracts rests on the grounds of protection. Businesses must protect what they deem is crucial in setting them apart from their competition. However, the enforcement of these agreements has been scrutinized for their tendency to suppress wages, limit career opportunities for workers, and hinder innovation and healthy competition in the job marketplace. This essay explores the general purposes of non-compete agreements and why exactly businesses favor …show more content…
The FTC’s primary concern is that non-compete agreements hinder wages and restrain career opportunities for employees. By restricting job mobility, non-competes prevent workers from accessing higher-paying jobs and better working conditions, thereby hindering economic liberty (Federal Trade Commission, 2023a). Furthermore, non-compete agreements are believed to hinder innovation and constructive competition. Thus, the clauses not only adversely affect individuals, but also the industry as a whole. They can discourage employees from pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors or bringing innovative ideas to new companies, leading to less animation in the job market. If a worker discovers some groundbreaking piece of technology to aid a business in its respective field, they are less likely to share such information if they are prohibited from having the freedom to distribute said technology or fear the repercussions thereof. In markets with fewer new entrants and higher concentration, consumers may face higher prices due to limited competition. The expected benefits of the rule are promising. The agency estimates that the rule could increase workers' earnings by nearly $300 billion per year, offering enhanced economic opportunities to approximately 30 million Americans (Federal Trade Commission, 2023a). By promoting greater drive, advancement, and healthy competition, the proposed rule seeks to create a more robust, animated, and fair labor