So noncompetes are just a result of the human tendency to assert control wherever possible?
Those who want control might suggest otherwise, and they might actually believe it, but that's just lack of creativity (thinking of other possible worldviews) or empathy (realizing that others might see things differently).
That's why they're unethical -- they're using a former employee as a kind of cannon fodder in a business war.
I agree that’s one purpose, but I think another is to penalize the employee for leaving, discouraging them from doing so… and as a result increasing retention and/or reducing the pressure on the company to deliver increased benefits and wages in the future.
Interestingly, when I am presented with an employment contract, there are two things that often appear and that I always require to be removed: noncompete clauses and wording that assigns the rights to all of the work I do (even work that does not use my employer's time, resources, or knowledge) to my employer.
I have never once had an employer refuse to remove or modify those terms, but a couple of times it took a bit of negotiation to get there.
The labor pool of potential fast food workers is so vast, and the number of employees is so vast that it’s very clear these non competes were intended to threaten workers and suppress wages.