Date: 02/14/2024
Location: Tacoma, Washington

In a legal battle that underscores the rights of laid-off workers, Jake Culver of Graham, Washington has filed a lawsuit against the 3M Company (DJIA: MMM) for back wages due to a failure to comply with Washington State labor law. The legislation, passed in 2020, mandates employers pay the full salary to employees terminated by layoff and held under a non-compete agreement.

Mr. Culver, a former product manager for 3M, was part of a layoff of 6,000 people in June 2023 after 10 years of employment. As a condition of his initial employment, 3M required Mr. Culver to sign a non-compete agreement. After his layoff, Mr. Culver sought unconditional release from the non-compete agreement or to be paid his salary owed, as required to Washington State law. These requests were denied by 3M. The company's refusal to comply with the law has left Mr. Culver with severe financial strain and permanent harm to his professional reputation, significantly impacting his ability to find new employment due to the enforced non-compete terms.

"With the massive number of layoffs across the country recently, and the rapid evolution of employment law, it's incredibly important that workers are informed of their rights and are fully protected by the law," Mr. Culver stated. “3M's blatant disregard for Washington State's regulations and refusal to reach a reasonable settlement has caused, not just financial and professional harm to me and my family, but emotional distress as well. I hope this case will bring the necessary attention to this law and support my fellow professionals in similar situations.”

Making matters even worse for Mr. Culver, no attorneys have been willing to take the case. Employment attorney’s reluctance to take the case seems to stem from the intimidating size and legal resources of 3M, along with the untested nature of the Washington State law. “No cases have tested this law yet in Washington State… even the Attorney General’s office declined to help,” said Mr. Culver. “So, I decided to represent myself in the lawsuit. Someone needs to stand up for what’s right, even if the opponent is massive.”

Known for products including Combat Arms™ earplugs and PFAS chemicals along with Scotch® Tape, Post-it® Notes, and Scotchgard™, 3M Company is a multi-national conglomerate manufacturer of over 60,000 products used in smart phones, electronics, motor vehicles, aircraft, safety equipment, healthcare, consumer goods and manufacturing.

Many US states have updated their non-compete laws in recent years, as workforce mobility has been identified as a key to economic stability in the US. This case highlights the ongoing struggle of employees to assert their rights against corporate giants and the importance of upholding state laws designed to protect workers.