Our prior decision in Leonard v. Clark is instructive. 12 F.3d 885 (9th Cir. 1993), as amended (Mar. 8, 1994). Leonard involved a collective bargaining agreement that restricted a union's ability to "specifically endorse[ ] or sponsor[ ]" legislation that would benefit the union's members.
However, any such waiver must be made "voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently." Marsh, 105 F.3d at 111; see Lake James Community Volunteer Fire Dep't, Inc. v. Burke County, 149 F.3d 277, 280 (4th Cir. 1998), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 1106, 119 S.Ct. 874, 142 L.Ed.2d 775 (1999); United States v. Local 1804-1, 44 F.3d 1091, 1098 n. 4 (2d Cir. 1995); Leonard v. Clark, 12 F.3d 885, 889-90 (9th Cir. 1993); Erie Telecommunications, 853 F.2d at 1094; Sambo's Restaurants, 663 F.2d at 690. Moreover, the waiver must be established by "clear and compelling" evidence.
If that were enough, no confidentiality agreement or non-disparagement provision could ever stand. See Leonard v. Clark , 12 F.3d 885, 892 n.12 (9th Cir. 1993). Instead, the proper inquiry is how much those public policy interests are impaired, if at all, based on the applicable record.