California bars forced non-disclosure clauses in severance agreements

Commuters make their way along a highway during morning rush hour in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 22, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake/Files

(Reuters) - California will bar companies from requiring non-disclosure agreements in settlements with employees over workplace harassment claims under a bill signed into law on Thursday in a win for tech workers who championed the proposal.

The Silenced No More Act had been co-sponsored by Ifeoma Ozoma, who quit Pinterest Inc last year after voicing concerns about gender and racial discrimination, and also drew backing from organizations including TechEquity Collaborative that advocate for workers in tech and other industries.