FTC probes five staffing agencies over alleged wage‑fixing cartel

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into five staffing firms. The probe focuses on alleged collusion to fix wages and restrict competition. Regulators suspect the agencies coordinated pricing and hiring practices. The agencies operate across multiple states and serve major corporate clients. The FTC's action follows a broader crackdown on antitrust violations in labor markets. Companies under investigation could face fines or corrective orders. Consumer‑advocacy groups welcome the scrutiny as a safeguard for workers. The investigation is ongoing, with no final conclusions announced yet.