In Washington, is Bft allowed to restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring any employee of another Bft franchisee?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
RCW 49.62.060 prohibits a franchisor from restricting, restraining, or prohibiting a franchisee from (i) soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or (ii) soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor. As a result, any such provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere are void and unenforceable in Washington.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 57–66)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchise is purchased in Washington, Bft is prohibited from restricting a franchisee from soliciting or hiring any employee of another Bft franchisee. This protection is codified in Washington state law.
Specifically, RCW 49.62.060 states that Bft cannot restrict, restrain, or prohibit a franchisee from soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor. Therefore, any provisions in the franchise agreement that attempt to impose such restrictions are considered void and unenforceable in Washington.
This means that a Bft franchisee in Washington has the freedom to recruit and hire employees from other Bft franchises without facing legal repercussions from Bft. This can be a significant advantage for franchisees looking to build their team with experienced personnel already familiar with the Bft system. However, franchisees should still consider the potential impact on their relationships with other franchisees within the Bft network when engaging in recruitment activities.