New York’s governor vetoed a bill days before Christmas that would have banned noncompete agreements, which restrict workers’ ability to leave their job for a role with a rival business.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said she tried to work with the Legislature on a “reasonable compromise” this year, called the bill “a one-size-fits-all-approach” for New York companies legitimately trying to retain top talent.
“I continue to recognize the urgent need to restrict non-compete agreements for middle-class and low-wage workers, and am open to future legislation that achieves the right balance,” she wrote in a veto letter released Saturday.
The veto is a blow to labor groups, who have long argued that the agreements hurt workers and stifle economic growth. The Federal Trade Commission had also sent a letter to Hochul in November, urging her to sign the bill and saying that the agreements can harm innovation and prevent new businesses from forming in the state.
She states it in the article. She believes companies have a “right” to retain high end labor. This bill just straight up bans non compete agreements which would make it harder to retain well trained, experienced, professionals.
That said. Why in the fuck love did we ever decide it was okay to threaten someone’s livelihood for leaving a job? I don’t care how highly trained you are. Non competes are anti-competitive in nature. They should have never been allowed.