Non-Compete Challenges for Community Work

Dear Community,

I would like to raise a general challenge that could affect contributors in the PostgreSQL ecosystem (in the future). 

Broad non-compete clauses in employment contracts — regardless of whether they would hold up in court — may temporarily prevent people from continuing their work in the database industry.

This could potentially interrupt ongoing community contributions and reduce continuity.

Before exploring either path further, I would like to understand whether there is actual demand or interest in addressing this challenge collectively.

1. Do you see this as an issue the PostgreSQL community should discuss?
2. Would either of these options be valuable for community health and sustainability?
3. Is there support for forming a small working group to evaluate feasibility and governance?

If there is interest, I see two possible directions:

1. Community Support & Retention Fund

A fund to offer temporary financial support or non-commercial project work for contributors who may be restricted from working within the PostgreSQL ecosystem due to broad non-compete clauses.
During such a period, these contributors would work exclusively for the community, focusing on non-commercial tasks aligned with PostgreSQL’s values and needs.

2. Community Recognition for PostgreSQL Community-Friendly Companies

Extending the existing community recognition model (used for meetups and conferences) to organizations. Companies could voluntarily follow community-aligned guidelines (based on general & expanded CoC guidelines)— including avoiding restrictive industry-wide non-compete clauses — and be recognized as community-friendly employers within the ecosystem.

I look forward to your thoughts and perspectives — publicly or privately — and appreciate your openness in discussing what can be a sensitive but important topic.

Thanks a lot and best wishes

Cornelia Biacsics