Connecticut Bill Prohibits Security Non-Compete Agreements

Jul 24, 2007 3:59 PM

Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R-Conn.) has signed a bill prohibiting private security contractors from imposing non-compete agreements on security officers. The legislation enables security officers to be re-hired at buildings when security contracts change hands. The law takes effect Oct. 1, 2007.

"Non-compete agreements for low-wage workers are virtually unheard of," says Kurt Westby, Local 32BJ Connecticut State Director. "By signing this new legislation, Gov. Rell is helping keep Connecticut buildings protected by knowledgeable security officers regardless of turnover of security contractors."

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal originally proposed the bill after security contractor, Guardsmark LLC, invoked its non-compete agreement at Bristol-based ESPN buildings. After losing its contract with ESPN, Guardsmark prevented nearly 40 security officers from taking employment with the new security contractor.

The State House of Representatives passed the bill on June 5, 2007, and the State Senate voted in favor the following day. House Majority Caucus Chair John Geragosian was a co-sponsor and leading supporter of the bill.

In a letter urging Gov. Rell to sign the bill, Rep. Geragosian wrote, "These agreements not only directly harm the security officers themselves, by effectively taking their jobs away, they also undermine the security at the buildings where thousands of people in Connecticut work and visit. Replacing these hard-working officers with men and women who are unfamiliar with the building, its tenants and security procedures leaves the site more vulnerable to crime and less prepared for coping with an evacuation or other emergency."

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