Sales representative sued by former employer for alleged breach of non-compete clause

GRETNA – A construction equipment supply company is suing a former sales representative they claim breached a non-compete clause in his employment contract.

Safway Services LLC filed suit against Jose Chaumont in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 20.

Safway Services claims they hired Chaumont in December 2008 to work as a sales representative in Mexico and South America to sell scaffolding and related products and services. The suit states he was employed with them until July 1, 2013.

The defendant is alleged to have signed a confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation agreement when he entered into an employment contract with the plaintiffs that was to be in place for two years following the cessation of his employment with the company.

Safway Services assets by virtue of his position with them he would pick up invaluable knowledge about the business as well as their customer base and that such information would be considered “trade secrets.”

The plaintiff alleges that shortly after Chaumont resigned, he was employed by their competitor Atlantic Pacific Equipment and began working in the same territory and soliciting his former customers.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for monetary damages, attorney’s fees and expert fees.

Safway Services is represented by Margaret F. Swetman of New Orleans-based Leake & Anderson LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Henry G. Sullivan Jr.

Case no. 730-135.