Probe targets hiring practices of Apple, others
updated 10:50 am EDT, Wed June 3, 2009
Justice Dept. Apple probe
The Justice Department is investigating the hiring strategies of some of America's largest high-tech corporations, according to the Washington Post. Companies involved in the probe include the likes of Apple, Google, Yahoo and Genentech, which are accused of making agreements to avoid recruiting from each other, thereby cementing their powerbase. Should allegations prove to be well-founded, the companies could be considered in violation of antitrust laws meant to ensure fair competition.
Sources contacted by the New York Times add that the Justice Department has been serving notices to at least some of the businesses, asking them to turn over "documents and information" related to the case.
The investigation may double the problems of Apple and Google, which are already being probed by the Federal Trade Commission. The companies may be in violation of the Clayton Antitrust Act, which in part stipulates that companies cannot share members of each others' directorates if the result is anti-competitive. Google CEO Eric Schmidt is on the Apple board, while Genentech CEO Arthur Levinson serves on both the Apple and Google boards.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2002
Mixed feelings
I agree that the Justice Dept. shouldn't let any corporation get away with anti-competitive behavior. This kind of behavior artificially narrows the potential job market for employees of these companies. It would be nice, however, to see Justice go after the more egregious corporations guilty of anti-competitive behavior (hello Intel, Microsoft?).