Planet Money Hire Power (Update)
13 snips
May 1, 2024 
Jeff Hong, a software engineer and advocate for labor rights, shares his journey against non-compete agreements in Hawaii. He discusses the personal impact of these contracts on career mobility and entrepreneurship, reflecting on his transition from Microsoft to advocating for reform. Hong highlights the recent FTC ruling that could change the landscape for workers nationwide, and the challenges he faced in pushing for legislative change in a resistant environment dominated by big businesses. His story illustrates the fight for workers' rights and the future of employment.
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Jeff Hong's Non-Compete
- Jeff Hong, a software engineer at Microsoft, worked with major clients and opened a Hawaii office.
- After being laid off, he faced a non-compete clause, limiting his job options in Hawaii.
Hidden Clauses
- Non-compete clauses often hide within extensive paperwork.
- They restrict employees from working with former clients or competitors for a set period.
The Dyer's Case
- In 1414, dyer John Dyer won a lawsuit against his master over a non-compete clause.
- This early case demonstrates the historical tension surrounding these agreements.