Tech workers who filed a lawsuit against Apple, Google, and other large tech firms say the companies should not be allowed to block evidence showing their participation in the anti-poaching agreements the companies had with each other. A request to expand the evidence presented in the trial was filed on behalf of the workers who initiated the class action lawsuit back in 2011.
In this latest filing, the tech workers argue that all evidence pertaining to the companies involved, including the “bullying” personality of Steve Jobs, the personal wealth of Google co-founder Sergey Brin and other information gleaned from outside sources should be included in the case.
“That the jury might draw conclusions about Mr. Jobs’ character based on evidence showing the manner in which he pursued the conspiracy at the heart of this case is not grounds to exclude such evidence,” they wrote.
The plaintiffs are also seeking to introduce evidence about the personal wealth of executives of the tech firms, and how that wealth could be enhanced by actions such as holding down workers’ salaries.
Also requested of the court is to allow information about an earlier investigation into the same matter by the U.S. Department of Justice that prevented the companies from entering into future no-hire agreements.
The technology companies in question were caught signing “no solicitation” agreements that prevented a company from poaching another companies employees. Employees that believe they were negatively affected by the agreement filed a class action lawsuit in May 2011. The case is expected to go to trial this May.
Both sides are currently engaged in negotiations. Some companies have already agreed to settle the case. Pixar and Intuit have settled, with Pixar paying approximately $9 million, and Intuit paying $11 million.
