Beginning January 1, 2017, a new Illinois law will prohibit employers from requiring employees earning less than $13 per hour to sign a covenant not to compete. The new law, the “Illinois Freedom to Work Act” provides that any such agreement is void and illegal. Employees of governmental or quasi-governmental employers are not covered by this new law.
Employers with hourly employees covered by this new law should carefully review all of their existing employment agreements to assure compliance.
Illinois General Assembly – Full Text of Public Act 099-0860
Peter M. StormCooper, Storm & Piscopo
