Aerospace Engineer No-Poach Litigation

THE STORY

The aerospace industry is a growth market - the U.S. aerospace industry employs roughly 2 million people and represents about 1.4% of all employment in the U.S. 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently unsealed a criminal complaint accusing a former aerospace executive of participating in a long-running conspiracy with managers and executives at other aerospace companies with the goal of restricting the hiring and recruiting of engineers and other skilled laborers. This alleged no-poach was spearheaded by Mahesh Patel, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, a former Director of Global Engineering Services at Pratt & Whitney. 

“Given the significance of major defense and aerospace companies to Connecticut’s economy, it is vital that the labor market in this industry remain fair, open and competitive to our workers,” said Peter S. Jongbloed, Counsel to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. “No one should be illegally denied the opportunity to pursue better jobs, higher pay, and greater benefits. We look forward to continuing the partnership with the Antitrust Division and our law enforcement partners in prosecuting this important case.”

Some of the companies affected may include:

• Pratt & Whitney Division of Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Agilis Engineering, Inc
• Belcan Engineering Group, LLC
• Cyient, Inc
• Parametric Solutions, Inc
• QuEST Global Services-NA, Inc

CASE FILED

The Joseph Saveri Law Firm, LLP has filed an amended class action complaint, Doe v. Raytheon Technology Corp., No. 3:21-cv-01657-SVN, in the United States District Court of Connecticut, seeking treble damages and injunctive relief for harm caused by the defendants' alleged unlawful no-poach agreements. 

“The aerospace industry is essential to the local and national economy, and to the security of our nation and the safety of its citizens. This industry’s labor market must be fair and competitive for workers who form the backbone of such an important sector of American society,” said the plaintiff engineer’s attorney, Joseph Saveri. “When aerospace companies engage in these unlawful agreements, they suppress wages across the entire industry. This case’s facts clearly indicate these companies intended to do just that. Instead of competing with other firms to retain employees by offering higher wages and better benefits, they denied their employees opportunities for career advancement and compensation for the true value of their skills. We are committed to bringing this crucial case to a successful conclusion and deterring similar illegal conduct throughout the aerospace industry. Its employees deserve nothing less.”

On January 18, 2022, this case and related ones were consolidated under Granata v. Pratt & Whitney, No. 3:21-cv--01657 (SVN), in the United States District Court of Connecticut.