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Friends!BIG news week last week as new rules for workers hit the books. So, we're breaking it down.

Topic 1: Non-Competes - Everything You Need to Know
The recent federal ban of non-compete agreements is a win for workers. But not all workers are included in this ban. We cover everything you need to know,: the history, the ruling, the next phase and what you need to do to protect yourself.  References:
 

• FTC Press Announcement
• FTC Noncompete Rule 
• U.S. Bans noncompete agreements for nearly all jobs - NPR
• FTC is sued by business groups over its ban on noncompete agreements, which may delay enforcement - CNN
• Mapped: Where noncompete agreements are banned or restricted - Axios
• Why the U.S. Chamber is Suing to Block FTC’s Noncompete Ban - U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Many workers barely recall signing noncompetes, until they try to change jobs - NPR

Topic 2: Wait, Shouldn't Everyone Get Overtime?
We tackle the latest rule by the U.S. Department of Labor on overtime pay and why its reach isn't as all-encompassing as you might think.  References:

• Samsung's 6-Day Work Week
• Google Asking Teams to Work 120 Hours a Week

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the seismic shifts occurring in the American labor landscape. With the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) recent move to ban non-compete agreements and the U.S. Department of Labor's new rule affecting overtime pay, the very foundations of employment practices are being challenged and transformed. These changes are set to reshape the future of work, offering new pathways to innovation and potentially altering the earning potential of millions of workers.

Non-compete agreements, a legacy of the 18th century, were originally designed to protect trade secrets and the competitive edge of businesses. However, their evolution has led to a broad application, often encompassing even low-wage workers. This sweeping application has raised concerns about the stifling effect non-competes have on workers' ability to move freely between jobs, potentially hampering both wage growth and innovation. The FTC's decision to ban these agreements signifies a crucial step towards prioritizing employee freedom and the fluidity of the job market.

In tandem with the changes surrounding non-competes, the Department of Labor's adjustment to the overtime pay rule reflects a modernization of the Fair Labor Standards Act. By raising the salary threshold for overtime eligibility, the expectation is that employees will be compensated more fairly for their time, especially those working beyond the traditional 40-hour workweek. Yet, the debate continues on whether these chan