Legal Question in Employment Law in Maryland
Non-compete agreements
I have been working for nearly eighteen years for a company in a niche industry serving the logistics needs of pharmaceutical and healthcare product companies. In October, 2005, my company was acquired by larger, multi-dimensional company. I was asked to stay on and signed an employment agreement and a confidentiality/non-solicitation agreement. In the interim, my compensation has been reduced, I've been demoted, restricted in responsibility. I also have good reason to believe that I can expect additional salary reductions. I have also been offered an attractive position by another company that while not directly competing with my current employer, does provide generally similar services to the phama industry. Given my age (49+), career focus and how I've been marginalized, can I confidently pursue this otheropportunity without undue fear of being sanctioned under the above mentioned non-compete agreement?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Non-compete agreements
If the agreement with the present company lacks a provision over the reduction of salary, yes. Otherwise, consult with a lawyer first.