Is it legal for my full-time employer to stop me from taking a weekend job if it’s not in the same industry?
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Is it legal for my full-time employer to stop me from taking a weekend job if it’s not in the same industry?
A new company bought out the one I work for. I work in the office during the week but I’m an insurance agent on the weekends to make ends meat. Now, a year after the take over, I am being asked to sign a policy that says I will not work for a competitor but it also says that I must get approval before I work any other job while working for them.
Asked on June 8, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Texas
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Unless this action violates the terms of an employment contract or union agreement, it is legal. The fact is that most work arrangements are what is called "at will". This means that a company can set the condtions of employment much as it sees fit (absent some form of legally actionable discrimination). Accordingly, your employer can prohibit outside work, at least without its permission.
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