Non-compete laws in Illinois

Recent discussions on collective bargaining highlight the importance of preparation and overcoming obstacles within the negotiation process, as shared by labor law experts in a podcast episode. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo has complicated the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) efforts to enforce a nationwide ban on non-compete agreements, with conflicting lower court decisions creating uncertainty for employers ahead of the September 2024 effective date. In Illinois, the 'Worker Freedom of Speech Act' has been signed into law, prohibiting businesses from penalizing employees for skipping meetings where anti-union views are presented. This legislation reflects a growing trend to protect workers' rights amid concerns over corporate influence. Additionally, the Montenegrin Association of Employers criticized recent unilateral changes to labor laws without proper consultation, emphasizing the need for social dialogue to maintain trust between employers and the government. These developments underscore a significant shift in labor relations and regulatory frameworks across various jurisdictions.