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Silicon Valley Anti-Poaching Cartel Went Beyond a Few Tech Firms

Posted by timothy on from the say-clancy-why-don't-you-drop-by-the-club dept.

The gentleman's agreement that several Silicon Valley firms are now widely known to have taken part in to minimize employee poaching within their own circles went much further than has been generally reported, according to a report at PandoDaily. The article lists many other companies besides the handful that have been previously named as taking part in the scheme to prevent recruiting, and gives some insight into what kind of (even non-tech) organizations and practices are involved.

4 of 137 comments (clear)

  1. is it illegal? by globaljustin · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Is it illegal to make these "agreements"?

    I think it's ridiculous, and like another pointed out, shows a flaw in capitalism.

    It *should* be illegal. IMHO it's an anti-trust issue. Workers are vendors of their labor, and the owners of the capital are colluding, like a 'trust', to monopolize & unnaturally control the scarcity of that capital.

    --
    Thank you Dave Raggett
    1. Re:is it illegal? by mikael · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Making employees sign Non-Compete Agreements are illegal in California. But by preventing employees from moving around freely, that could have restricted them from getting pay rises and consequently depriving the state and federal government from getting income taxes.

      --
      Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
  2. Re: Collusion vs no solicit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Not in California it isn't, same with non completes. Edwards decision killed non-solicits. You want capitalism then have captialism and make sure you pay your employees well.

    http://www.hrthatworksblog.com/2013/01/30/the-difficulty-of-enforcing-non-solicitation-clauses-in-california/

  3. Re:Do the crime, do the time by geek · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The executives essentially formed their own union. The gentlemen's agreement (which is anything but. A crony capitalists agreement is a better name for it) is simply their by-laws.

    To counter this, every tech worker in the entire valley should form their own union and stick it to the fucking executives for a change. I moved from the valley 15 years ago because of shit like this. I'll never return but would love to see these mother fuckers get what is coming to them.