Minnesota Senate panel hears how consolidation can squeeze workers across industries

The Minnesota Senate Committee on Labor convened March 20 for an informational hearing on consolidation and workers, hearing testimony from labor leaders, a former federal antitrust official and representatives of farmer, construction and health-care organizations.

Committee Chair McEwen opened the session and introduced the first witness, saying the committee had “a really interesting, informational hearing” on consolidation and workers. Justin Stofran, anti‑monopoly director at the Minnesota Farmers Union, told the committee that consolidation is pervasive across the economy and urged broader enforcement of antitrust laws that consider impacts beyond consumer prices. “We know that monopoly power does not just harm consumers,” Stofran said, noting studies showing growing industry concentration and lower pay for workers where competition is weak.

The hearing included a virtual appearance by Doha Mekki, who served most recently as acting assistant attorney general in charge of the Antitrust Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. Mekki outlined the federal Antitrust Division’s recent labor‑market work, including criminal and civil cases brought against no‑poach and wage‑fixing schemes and litigation and briefs protecting workers’ market opportunities. “Antitrust law is at least as…