Catherwood LibraryILR School

This past week, the Federal Trade Commission closed its window for public comments on its proposed ban on noncompete agreements. Various major business groups submitted letters to the FTC to urge the agency to withdraw this proposal and instead promote pro-competitive interests that protect and encourage investment and innovation. Meanwhile, labor unions and consumer advocates have submitted arguments in favor of banning employers from limiting where workers can take jobs after leaving a company. The FTC states that removing noncompete agreements would broaden job opportunities for workers and significantly increase their earnings. Ultimately, the outcome of this policy will impact a large proportion of the US labor force, given that many private sector employers currently use noncompetes.