In Washington, can a Chesters franchisor restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of other franchisees of the same franchisor?
Chesters 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 23 — **RECEIPTS (FDD pages 48–197)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a Chesters franchise is located in Washington, Chesters cannot restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor.
Specifically, Washington state law RCW 49.62.060 prohibits a franchisor from restricting, restraining, or prohibiting a franchisee from soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor.
Therefore, according to the FDD, any provision contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere that conflicts with these limitations is void and unenforceable in Washington.