In Washington, can a Bombs Away franchisee be restricted from soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor?
Bombs_Away Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 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 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 36–117)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Bombs Away Franchise Disclosure Document, if you operate a franchise in Washington, Bombs Away cannot restrict you from soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor. This protection is explicitly stated under Washington state law (RCW 49.62.060).
This means that as a Bombs Away franchisee in Washington, you have the freedom to recruit and hire employees directly from the franchisor's organization without facing legal repercussions or contractual limitations. Any clause within the franchise agreement that attempts to prevent you from doing so is considered void and unenforceable in Washington.
This provision is particularly beneficial for franchisees seeking experienced personnel or individuals already familiar with the Bombs Away business model. It promotes a competitive labor market and allows franchisees to build their teams with potentially highly qualified candidates. Prospective franchisees should confirm with Bombs Away that their franchise agreement reflects this legal protection.