Lawrence Bluestone Offers Insight on Emerging Antitrust Risks in Labor Markets In Law.com

Genova Burns Partner Lawrence Bluestone, Esq. was quoted in a recent Law.com article, "Class Actions Seize on Tactics That Might Hold Down Wages," which explores growing litigation targeting wage suppression practices in structured hiring programs.

While not involved in the specific matter discussed, a class action filed by veterinary interns alleging below-market compensation, Mr. Bluestone provided broader perspective on the complexities of antitrust enforcement in labor markets. He emphasized the importance for employers to carefully review staffing agreements and hiring practices to avoid potential antitrust pitfalls, particularly where industry collaboration is involved.

Mr. Bluestone also noted the legal hurdles plaintiffs face in pursuing these types of claims, reinforcing the evolving but challenging nature of such litigation.

Under antitrust laws, parties damaged by anticompetitive conduct can seek treble damages. In addition, the legal issues at play are complex and thus outcomes are difficult to predict, he said, dynamics that lead some defendants to settle even if they don’t believe they did anything wrong.

On the other hand, it can be an uphill battle for plaintiffs to prevail at trial, Bluestone said. “The courts have created numerous technical hurdles that can lead to failure by plaintiffs."

With regulatory focus on labor market practices intensifying, Mr. Bluestone’s commentary underscores our firm's understanding of the intersection between employment strategy and antitrust compliance, a space where experience and nuance matter more than ever.

To read the full article, click here.