Kehoe Law Firm, a leading advocate for workers’ rights, expresses its deep satisfaction and gratitude for the backing received from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and 21 state-level enforcers in the ongoing appeal before the Second Circuit. The case involves former Saks Fifth Avenue employees who allege the retailer engaged in no-hire agreements, suppressing their wages and restricting job mobility.
The DOJ and the states filed separate amicus briefs on Friday, contesting the lower court’s dismissal earlier this year. The DOJ argued that the court incorrectly applied the ancillary restraints doctrine, emphasizing that the no-hire agreements were not merely “ancillary”, but the primary objective of a conspiracy aimed at reducing workers’ compensation and mobility.
Michael Yarnoff, a partner at Kehoe Law Firm, expressed his appreciation for the growing support in the case: “We are pleased to see the U.S. Department of Justice and the states recognize the significance of this matter. Their involvement underscores the importance of challenging anti-worker and anti-competitive practices in the labor market.”
The case, initiated by workers Susan Giordano, Angelene Hayes, Ying-Liang Wang, and Anja Beachum in February 2020, alleges that Saks prevented them from working at luxury retail stores owned by Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Brunello Cucinelli, and Loro Piana. The workers contend that these no-hire pacts violate antitrust laws, leading to lower wages and restricted mobility.
The lower court’s dismissal in February prompted an appeal to the Second Circuit. The DOJ’s recent brief not only challenges the per se finding but also disputes the lower court’s ruling on the timeliness of claims for three workers, asserting that they were “undercompensated by Saks during the entirety of their tenures.”
Michael Yarnoff expressed satisfaction with the additional support: “The antitrust issues surrounding the alleged no-hire agreement are important, not just in this case, but to workers more generally. We look forward to winning in the appellate court and then ultimately vindicating our clients rights and interests in front of a jury in Brooklyn.” Kehoe Law Firm remains committed to advocating for the rights of workers and will continue to pursue justice for its clients in this crucial appeal.
For more information about Kehoe Law Firm and its involvement in this matter, please contact Michael Yarnoff at [email protected] or call (215) 792-6676.