Baker: ‘Do no harm’ in Non-Compete Clauses

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Gov. Charlie Baker

BOSTON (AP) — Republican Gov. Charlie Baker says when it comes to restricting non-compete clauses in employment contracts, the first goal is to do no harm.

Baker said Monday that Massachusetts needs to continue to build on the success it has had in nurturing an innovation economy.

Baker made the comments after state lawmakers failed to reach agreement Sunday on a bill to restrict non-compete clauses in employment contracts.

Non-compete clauses restrict the ability of workers to leave a company and immediately go to work for or start a competing firm.

The House passed a bill that would limit to 12 months the length of a non-compete clause. The Senate would have limited the duration to just three months.

Companies defend non-competes as necessary to protect intellectual property. Critics say they stifle entrepreneurship.