🎧 Audio
📖 Script
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a government agency that protects consumers and ensures fair business practices, is currently facing challenges regarding its rule that bans noncompete agreements. These agreements prevent employees from working for competitors after leaving a company, which can limit their job opportunities. Andrew Ferguson, the Chair of the FTC, has raised concerns about the constitutionality of this rule. However, he insists that safeguarding workers from the constraints of noncompete agreements remains an important issue for the agency.
Noncompete agreements have been a topic of debate for many years. Supporters argue that they protect businesses by ensuring that employees do not take sensitive information to competitors. However, critics claim that these agreements restrict workers’ freedom to change jobs and find better opportunities. The FTC’s rule aims to strike a balance by banning these agreements and, thus, promoting fairer labor markets.
The debate has gained new attention under President Trump’s administration, which tends to prioritize business interests. There are questions about whether the FTC will maintain its stance or if it will face pressure to change its rule. Despite these challenges, Ferguson has emphasized the need to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair competition in the marketplace.
In the United States, noncompete agreements can have a significant impact on workers, particularly those in specialized fields where job options may be limited. If these agreements are enforced too strictly, they could hinder innovation and economic growth. On the other hand, if completely banned, businesses might be concerned about protecting proprietary information.
This situation reflects a broader conflict between workers’ rights and business interests. As discussions continue, the future of noncompete agreements in the U.S. remains uncertain. The outcome will likely affect both employees seeking new opportunities and companies looking to protect their interests.
📝 Vocabulary
- constitutionality: the quality of being in accordance with a political constitution
例文: “The court questioned the constitutionality of the new law.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- constitutionality of a law
- question constitutionality
- challenge constitutionality
合憲性 - safeguard: to protect from harm or damage
例文: “It is important to safeguard your personal information online.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- safeguard rights
- safeguard interests
- safeguard against
保護する - constraint: a limitation or restriction
例文: “The project faced several constraints due to budget limits.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- time constraint
- financial constraint
- legal constraint
制約 - proprietary: relating to ownership or an owner
例文: “The company has developed proprietary software for its clients.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- proprietary information
- proprietary technology
- proprietary rights
所有者の - innovation: the introduction of new ideas or methods
例文: “Innovation is key to staying competitive in the market.”
Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
- technological innovation
- drive innovation
- foster innovation
革新
✏️ Grammar Point
Present Perfect Tense – “Andrew Ferguson, the Chair of the FTC, has raised concerns about the constitutionality of this rule.”
文法の日本語補足を見る
💡 使用場面
(現在完了形は、過去のある時点から現在まで続いている状況を示すときに使われます。)
📝 使用例文
“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘If we cut costs now, we can increase our profit margin next quarter.’”
❓ Listening Questions
- True/False: The FTC’s rule banning noncompete agreements is considered constitutional by Andrew Ferguson.
- MCQ: What is one argument supporters use for noncompete agreements?
a) They increase job opportunities for workers.
b) They help protect sensitive business information.
c) They encourage workers to find better opportunities.
d) They reduce competition among businesses. - MCQ: What is a potential negative effect of enforcing noncompete agreements too strictly?
a) Increased economic growth
b) More job options for workers
c) Hindered innovation
d) Decreased competition
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
- False
- b) They help protect sensitive business information.
- c) Hindered innovation
📚 Reading Questions
- What is the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
- Why do critics argue against noncompete agreements?
- What does the word “constraints” mean in the context of the script?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a government agency that protects consumers and ensures fair business practices.
- Critics argue that noncompete agreements restrict workers’ freedom to change jobs and find better opportunities.
- The word “constraints” means limitations or restrictions.
🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説
アメリカの連邦取引委員会（FTC）は、企業が従業員に競合他社での就業を制限する「競業避止契約」の禁止に関するルールを設けています。このルールに対して、FTCの議長であるアンドリュー・ファーガソン氏は、憲法に違反する可能性があると指摘しています。しかし、従業員の権利保護は重要であると強調しています。この議論は、特に専門職の労働者にとって大きな影響があり、今後の展開が注目されています。競業避止契約が厳格に運用されると、イノベーションや経済成長を阻害する可能性がある一方、完全に禁止されると企業は機密情報の保護に懸念を抱くでしょう。
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/10/nx-s1-5461012/future-of-ftc-noncompete-ban-in-question-under-trump
