When Capitalism decided free market wasn't worth it

Google, Apple, Intel, Adobe, Intuit, Pixar, Disney and Lucasfilms colluded b/w 2005-2009 and agreed to not hire each other’s employees. They shared comp details with each other so that no one can poach each other’s employees. Their collusion prevented increase in emplyee salaries. They BANNED COUNTEROFFERS from each other… Facebook decided not to participate in this shit.

Lawsuits were filed when this was revealed. Total damages reported around 3 billion for 5 years. Google and others offered 300 mil to settle outside court without trial, denied by defending plaintiffs considering it was only 1/10th of the asked amount.

Google offered 425 mil after a few months, settlement accepted outside court. NO TRIAL, NO CONSEQUENCES, NO NOTHING. Everyone goes free…

Settled after 5 years with a total of 425 million in damages to 64000 employees for their troubles. Each one got just a few thousand, rest went to legal fees and money to defendant plaintiffs.

425 mil - Compensation for 5 years of deliberately shunting increased pay for work done by 64000 employees - Apple makes that in half a day…

So much for the free market…