The class-action lawsuit brought against Apple, Google, and other tech firms for allegedly conspiring not to hire employees from one another could lead to an astronomical award of $9 billion in lost wages, as a pile of evidence continues to mount against the companies.
About 100,000 employees are covered by the lawsuit, which seeks a payment of approximately $90,000 per person. While The New York Times characterized that number this week as “blindingly high,” employees are confident in their evidence against the employers, who are accused of making anti-poaching agreements which may have kept employee wages artificially low.
As the lawsuit has progressed, strong evidence has come to light that reveals Apple, Google, and other tech firms privately agreed not to recruit each other’s employees. Late Apple CEO Steve Jobs had even reportedly placed a call to Google where he threatened “war” if Google hired any of his employees.
Trial materials reveal that Apple’s human resources department sent out an email saying Google employees were on a “hands-off” list.
Lawyers consulted with by the Times said while anti-poaching agreements can be legal, blanket bans such as the one it appears Silicon Valley firms participated in are “plainly anticompetitive.”
The lawsuit is set to go to trial in a San Jose courtroom in May. However, the involved parties are currently conducting settlement talks.
(Via AppleInsider)
