N
Newfie
Guest
I work for a small professional company of about 120. We work in a niche industry so I know and have worked with a significant percentage of my competitors, some multiple times.
About a year ago our new management came out with a "Confidentiality Agreement" that was in reality a Terms of Employment agreement as it covered a whole lot of issues far beyond confidentiallity. At that time there was a nearly unanimous response. Several people got lawyers, etc. Management backed down and withdrew the agreement. In the meantime several of the more adamant people have left.
Now the Company has brought out an even more onerous "Confidentiality Agreement." Besides all the normal nonsense it has a long and dense paragraph about employment practices. If you leave this company then for two years you can in no way solicit current or FORMER company employees to work for you new company.
IF YOU DO YOU FORFEIT A YEARS SALARY.
This agreement has so many problems and issues there is no way I will sign it. I suspect that, if push comes to shove, much of our senior and upper level staff will leave. Fortunately we are in an industry that is in high demand and will be so for the foreseeable future so we have some leverage. (Not medical or related) So we may be able to back them down again.
My questions:
1. Having been here 14 years I don't know what other companies expect. Is this unusual?
2. When the day comes that we "talk" about this I will offer significant improvements to the contract. Is there a source of sample contracts and terms of conditions agreements for professionals?
3. I see no reason to sign, I see no reason to quit. I suppose they could fire me for not signing. As this was offered to the entire company en mass then I assume that if they negotiate with one they would be required to negotiate with others. Is that true?
4. Any other advise?
My many thanks for assistance.
About a year ago our new management came out with a "Confidentiality Agreement" that was in reality a Terms of Employment agreement as it covered a whole lot of issues far beyond confidentiallity. At that time there was a nearly unanimous response. Several people got lawyers, etc. Management backed down and withdrew the agreement. In the meantime several of the more adamant people have left.
Now the Company has brought out an even more onerous "Confidentiality Agreement." Besides all the normal nonsense it has a long and dense paragraph about employment practices. If you leave this company then for two years you can in no way solicit current or FORMER company employees to work for you new company.
IF YOU DO YOU FORFEIT A YEARS SALARY.
This agreement has so many problems and issues there is no way I will sign it. I suspect that, if push comes to shove, much of our senior and upper level staff will leave. Fortunately we are in an industry that is in high demand and will be so for the foreseeable future so we have some leverage. (Not medical or related) So we may be able to back them down again.
My questions:
1. Having been here 14 years I don't know what other companies expect. Is this unusual?
2. When the day comes that we "talk" about this I will offer significant improvements to the contract. Is there a source of sample contracts and terms of conditions agreements for professionals?
3. I see no reason to sign, I see no reason to quit. I suppose they could fire me for not signing. As this was offered to the entire company en mass then I assume that if they negotiate with one they would be required to negotiate with others. Is that true?
4. Any other advise?
My many thanks for assistance.