In Washington, can Kidokinetics restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of other Kidokinetics franchisees?
Kidokinetics 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 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 59–205)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Kidokinetics's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, if you operate a franchise in Washington, Kidokinetics cannot restrict you from soliciting or hiring employees from other Kidokinetics franchisees.
The FDD states that 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.
Therefore, any provisions within the franchise agreement that conflict with these limitations are considered void and unenforceable in Washington. This ensures franchisees in Washington have the freedom to recruit talent from within the Kidokinetics franchise network and from Kidokinetics itself, promoting a competitive labor environment.