For C12 Group franchises in Washington, what is the franchisor prohibited from restricting regarding employees of other franchisees?

According to the 2025 FDD, C12 Group is prohibited from restricting a franchisee in Washington from soliciting or hiring any employee of another C12 Group franchisee or any employee of C12 Group itself. This protection is explicitly stated under RCW 49.62.060, a Washington state law. Any conflicting provisions within the franchise agreement are considered void and unenforceable in Washington.

For a prospective C12 Group franchisee in Washington, this means they have the freedom to recruit employees from other C12 Group franchises or from the franchisor's corporate offices without facing legal repercussions from C12 Group. This can be a significant advantage in building a skilled team, as it allows franchisees to tap into a pool of individuals already familiar with the C12 Group system and potentially possessing valuable experience.

However, it's important to note that this provision does not prevent other franchisees' employees or C12 Group's employees from having pre-existing agreements (such as non-compete agreements) that might limit their ability to switch employers. The law specifically prevents C12 Group from enforcing restrictions, but it doesn't invalidate other contractual obligations an employee may have. A prospective franchisee should still conduct due diligence to ensure any potential hires are free from conflicting agreements.

This type of restriction is not uncommon in franchise agreements, as franchisors often seek to protect their investment in training and development. However, the Washington statute creates an exception to this general practice, giving franchisees more flexibility in staffing their businesses. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the implications of this law and how it might impact their ability to attract and retain employees.