Fast Food Chain Implements Non-Compete Clause

[Patroklos]

Remind me of the scene from Coming to America where we see McDowell reading the McDonald's operating manuel in his office.

[Simon_Jester]

One thing that does come to mind is operational procedures. Some chains may have optimized their layouts and storage for higher efficiency, and that would be something they may want to keep behind their backs. Not really something your average worker would notice, but if they learn to work in such a setting and then move to another, less efficient setting, they might well point out the possible upgrades that could be made.

Well, the basic problem is that it's still unreasonably restrictive, especially since these chains make not the faintest attempt to ensure employee retention. Usually, in a white collar or management position that makes you sign noncompete clauses, they're at least hoping you'll stay with the company for a meaningful length of time. They are often actually giving you training of concrete value and entrusting you with useful information in order to make you better at your job.

Here, these guys are explicitly taking minimum wage workers with zero benefits, who are presumably treated as fully disposable... and expecting them to not work in the same "industry" as though they owe the company that treats them this way any semblance of loyalty.

Remind me of the scene from Coming to America where we see McDowell reading the McDonald's operating manuel in his office.

I confess I'm not familiar with that movie. What do you mean?

[Elheru Aran]

One thing that does come to mind is operational procedures. Some chains may have optimized their layouts and storage for higher efficiency, and that would be something they may want to keep behind their backs. Not really something your average worker would notice, but if they learn to work in such a setting and then move to another, less efficient setting, they might well point out the possible upgrades that could be made.

Well, the basic problem is that it's still unreasonably restrictive, especially since these chains make not the faintest attempt to ensure employee retention. Usually, in a white collar or management position that makes you sign noncompete clauses, they're at least hoping you'll stay with the company for a meaningful length of time. They are often actually giving you training of concrete value and entrusting you with useful information in order to make you better at your job.

Here, these guys are explicitly taking minimum wage workers with zero benefits, who are presumably treated as fully disposable... and expecting them to not work in the same "industry" as though they owe the company that treats them this way any semblance of loyalty.

I don't disagree. I was merely searching for even a vague rationalization for the clause, but honestly, it's a bullying piece of shit red tape paperwork that basically exists to intimidate employees, when you come down to it.

[Patroklos]

I confess I'm not familiar with that movie. What do you mean?

The father of Eddie Murphy's love interest in the movie runs a knock off fast food joint named after himself (McDowell) but very obviously copying McDonalds in pretty much every way. Its one of the running jokes of the movie with the father denying it, so it was mildly amusing when a character barges into his office and he is reading a labled McDonald's operating manuel.