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Do I Have To Sign An Employer’s Non-Compete Clause?

On Behalf of | Apr 17, 2017 | Employment Law

Perhaps you are working for a Mobile Phone Service and before hiring you, they ask you to sign a non-compete clause on your hiring contract. This may seem strange though it isn’t uncommon. However, there are some critical things to note about non-compete agreements, in particular for those living in the state of Oklahoma that is unique compared to most other states.

What Is A Non-Compete Agreement?

This agreement is a contract stating that you will not begin work as a competing business or competitor for a particular period of time, often stated in the agreement, after your relationship with your employer finishes or ends. The reason behind this is to ensure that you won’t share intimate knowledge of how their business works to competitors or be in a position to steal away clients, other workers, and customers by exploiting the knowledge you received during employment with them.

Oklahoma Does NOT Enforce Noncompete Agreements

Interestingly, Oklahoma and a couple of other states do not enforce such a contract as a non-compete agreement. Even if one were to be signed, it wouldn’t be legally binding. This tactic could be used unfairly even to keep employees from leaving due to the belief that they couldn’t find employment in their field without breaking a legal contract and facing repercussions.

Do I Have To Sign?

No. In fact, if you asked to sign a non-compete agreement in Oklahoma the best thing to do would be to explain to your employer that such as agreement is unenforceable. Consult with a lawyer if you are put under pressure or treated unfairly due to not signing such a contract.

Your Tulsa Employment Lawyers

Employers should create legal policies and contracts of integrity that protect their business’s interests by following federal and state employment laws. If you feel your employer has pressured you into signing an agreement that is illegal and unenforceable, you should call a lawyer immediately. Contact Frasier, Frasier & Hickman, LLP, today at 918-779-3658, or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.

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