Axed Workers Questioning Nondisparagement Agreements

Workers and Congress are increasingly questioning non-disparagement agreements that many companies are asking laid-off workers to sign, before giving their jobs to cheaper overseas labor. Lawmakers have proposed revising visa laws to allow former employees to contest their layoffs. Workers have said the provisions they’re forced to sign if they want a severance bonus prevent them from speaking openly with elected officials or appearing at congressional hearings. The companies maintain that the agreements are commonplace and routine.