US aerospace executives face charges for allegedly limiting workers' job mobility

A US federal grand jury in Connecticut has indicted six aerospace executives for their alleged role in a conspiracy to limit the job prospects of thousands of engineers and other skilled workers, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced on 16 December.

To curb labour costs, the executives allegedly agreed not to hire employees from each other's companies, which limited the ability of those workers to seek better jobs, pay, and benefits, the DoJ said. The conspiracy affected workers who design, manufacture, and service military and commercial aircraft parts.

The DoJ did not identify the companies that employ the indicted executives, although the alleged leader of the conspiracy identified himself on social media as a director of global engineering sourcing at Raytheon Technologies Corporation's Pratt & Whitney aircraft engine business. Raytheon said it is committed to complying with applicable laws and is co-operating with investigators.

If convicted of conspiracy to restrain trade under the Sherman Antitrust Act, the defendants could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to USD1 million. The maximum fine could be increased under certain circumstances.