Open Markets and SEIU Comment to the DOJ: "How the Antitrust Agencies Can Help—Instead of Hurt—Workers"

The Open Markets Institute and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), filed a comment with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on October 23, 2019 in response to their workshop on competition in labor markets explaining how federal antitrust enforcers should use their power to support American workers.

The comment explains in detail how when properly enforced, antitrust law can help, rather than hurt workers. Both the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission can side with workers and take the necessary steps to address the stark power imbalance which they face and which is abetted by employer concentration and abusive contracts. We argue for the following solutions federal agencies can implement: banning non-compete clauses in employee contracts; reviewing mergers and other business conduct for their effects on workers; and advancing legal positions via amicus briefs that would ensure employers and workers have a more equal footing.

The joint comment can be read in full here.