Tried to discuss my new employment contract. Boss asked our opinions when they sent the contract. I told them concerns in email and over the phone. They acted understanding at first said they would remove the non compete but kept sending me new versions of the contract with non compete still in it. I wanted them to remove it because it’s not really enforceable in our state anymore. Also non competes are just very constricting on low wage employee’s ability to seek better employment or side work or second jobs. I’ve been afraid to even try because my Last contract was so strict.
I had to discuss the issues again this time boss said they felt I was “attacking” them by pointing the issue out and that I was being combative. They asked if I planned to steal their clients. Obviously I don’t even know their clients first names or contact info. Speaking with clients is not a part of my job. I explained I just wanted to be diligent and make sure the contract was legal and I agreed to terms before signing. I didn’t want my future employment opportunity to be unfairly restricted in exchange for low pay. Boss kind of broke down and started saying their business isn’t profitable and they are paid lower than anybody else in the company.
Im really kind of depressed to hear this. I was working so much overtime the last years I got an injury in my arm now just from overworking it. I can’t work as much or as fast as last year but no mater how hard I work or anyone does it doesn’t really seem to matter if a businesses isn’t constructed to turn a profit. No mater how good the worker or the product nobody can make anymore money. It’s very very sad because I enjoy the work. I was thinking this would be a good company to grow at but nobody gets promoted internally or is getting any raises paced with inflation. It’s sounds like the business cannot even break even. Whose responsibility is it in a private businesses to make it profitable the employees or the employer?