WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice held back-to-back roundtables Friday to examine antitrust issues in the entertainment industry and unfair labor practices impacting American workers, the agency announced.
Key Points
- DOJ hosted two roundtables on April 4 focused on labor market abuses and entertainment industry competition
- Labor discussions included Teamsters members and legal experts addressing non-compete and no-poach agreements
- Live entertainment roundtable explored market conduct with input from industry stakeholders and policymakers
Led by Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater of the Antitrust Division, the first session brought together union members from Teamsters Local 25 and Local 804 alongside labor advocates, economists, and legal professionals. The discussion centered on how certain employment practices — including non-compete clauses and no-poach agreements — restrict worker mobility and earnings.
“Participants shared their personal stories and detailed ways that non-compete agreements, no poach agreements and other forms of unfair practices impact their livelihood,” the Justice Department stated in a release.
Live entertainment market scrutiny
A second roundtable focused on concerns within the live entertainment industry.
Market participants, advocates, and policymakers discussed competitive dynamics and allegedly harmful business practices that may limit consumer choice or disadvantage smaller players.
The Justice Department continues to evaluate how market consolidation and conduct in entertainment and labor markets affect competition and fairness. Officials did not indicate whether enforcement actions or policy changes are forthcoming.