No compete agreements

I think no competes only hold up in specific parishes. What industry?

They are heavily disfavored in Louisiana, but that does not mean they are unenforceable. They need to specifically identify the area it applies and the duration.

I would run it by an attorney before you sign.

NEWBIE,

I thought that relates to breaking out and starting your own firm / stealing clients. They can't do anything if you go to work for a competitor.

Hard to enforce. Expensive to go to court to enforce.

Sign it, then don't piss anyone off when you leave to give them a reason to piss you off and you'll be alright.

Thanks for replies everyone, I hope to keep getting feedback though.

I have decided that I am not going to sign it. They really don't want to fire me and I am willing to take it that far. I guess I will find out if they are willing to. On a positive note though, I have found out there are several others that are not signing and I THINK they will have to back off. The people they would have to fire alone could start a competing firm very quickly. I just have to make sure they don't divide and conquer the hold outs.

In louisiana all non competes are invalid unless they adhere to certain provisions. They must state a specific geographical area. i.e. Parish, city, etc. and must limit the time frame to no more than two years. If it meets the provisions it can be upheld. Can apply to workers going out on their own or to a competitor. And yes they can fire you if you don't sign it. Here's a good summary. LINK