Can Bumble Roofing restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of other Bumble Roofing franchisees in Washington?
Bumble_Roofing 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 43–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bumble Roofing Franchise Disclosure Document, Bumble Roofing is prohibited from restricting a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of other Bumble Roofing franchisees in Washington.
Specifically, RCW 49.62.060 in Washington state law prevents Bumble Roofing from enforcing any provisions that would stop a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of either another Bumble Roofing franchisee or the franchisor itself. This means that any clause in the franchise agreement that attempts to prevent this type of employee solicitation or hiring is legally void and unenforceable in Washington.
This protection for franchisees in Washington ensures they have the freedom to recruit talent within the Bumble Roofing network, fostering competition and potentially improving the quality of their workforce. However, franchisees should be aware of ethical considerations and potential impacts on their relationships with other franchisees when actively recruiting their employees.