Michigan bakery makes 16-year-old employee sign non-compete clause, tell her she can't work for another bakery for 2 years after they fire her: 'She worked there maybe a month'

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• In this story, a parent was baffled to find that a local bakery had enforced a non-compete clause on their 16-year-old daughter. She had worked there for a month before being fired by text, and then received a letter that had a non-compete contract attached. It claimed she could not work for any other bakery for another 2 years.

  The parent felt that this documentation was ridiculous, but they were curious if there was any legitimate way to contest it. They didn't think it was a move that she should just accept, no matter how the job ended.

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  via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

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• Daughter signed a non-compete

  My daughter (age 16) signed a non-compete agreement at a local franchise bakery. She worked there maybe a month and the manager fired her by text. We got a letter in the mail with a copy of an extremely vague non-compete contract. We are in Michigan. Her job was a “froster.” Shes not even looking for another job, but the fact they sent this letter stating she can’t work for any company that sells baked goods for 2 years seems absurd. I’ve emailed the company the franchise. Good lesson for my daughter. Is there anything else I should do? Should I mail the letters? Should I file with the AG or BBB?

  Location: Michigan

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  via Harper Nguyen

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• A non‑compete for a 16‑year‑old froster is laughable. Michigan doesn’t even enforce most non‑competes for adults anymore, let alone teenagers making cupcakes.

  _{^DippinLaca_}

  Non-competes are a civil issue; they are not enforced by the state.

  But you are correct, they are laughable for teen part-time workers.

  _{^{random8765309}}

  She didnt MAKE the cupcake- she only FROSTED them. Wanna bet that's what they want to 'not disclose'??

  _{^{NYC-WhWmn-ov50}}

  I’ve never felt more motivated to help a 16 year old open a bakery.

  _{^OllieWobbles}

   

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