Los Angeles (CA) - The legal saga over HP's boardroom spying scandal has just begun a new chapter, as several reporters targeted by HP have filed a lawsuit.

About a year ago, HP became concerned when boardroom secrets were making their way to newspapers and online publications.  In an effort to track down who was leaking the information, HP initiated a multi-faceted surveillance procedure.

Part of this included spying on journalists and reporters by immorally obtaining their private telephone records, to see who had been talking with HP board members.  HP also allegedly spied on reporters suspected of being connected to the leaked info.

When this information became public, it was a public relations nightmare, leading to the ousting of HP chairman Patricia Dunn and a multi-day hearing in front of Congress.

A group of reporters has filed lawsuits against Patricia Dunn, former HP ethics chief Kevin Hunsaker, and HP itself.  The case is being handled by Panish, Shea and Boyle, a Los Angeles law firm representing the plaintiffs.

HP said it attempted to settle with the reporters but they refused.  "In an attempt to resolve this matter short of litigation, HP made a substantial settlement offer to the reporters, their family members and a charity of their choice. Unfortunately, rather than respond to the offer, they have decided to sue," said the company.

The reporters claim HP violated their privacy and caused them emotional distress.  They are seeking unspecified monetary damages.

HP has already paid more than $14.5 million to settle other civil cases brought against the company over this issue last year.

Bottom of the food chain

Aug 16, 2007 15:34     

I know you most likely won’t post this because I can’t tell you who I am because I would be fired in a heartbeat. But I wish there was a way we could bring those responsible to justice in these corporate scandals without hurting the company. My long term benefits are ties to how well the company does and most of us at HP are as mad as hell that a few elitist thought they could get away with something most of us would never even entertain the idea of doing. Most of my co-workers have not had a raise in 6 years, some longer and the cost of living in my area as increase almost 30% in those years. That coupled with the decreasing benefits, some us have see a 40% decrease in spendable income over that past 6 years. The millions and millions HP will now have to spend on this will insure no raises and less benefits for those of us at the bottom of the food chain that can least afford it.

Customer facing HP Employee report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

On the one hand...

Aug 16, 2007 21:44     

...I'm against the use of the judicial system as a cash cow for greedy lawyers. On the other hand, I think everyone who works at a company is, to some extent, responsible for the conduct of that company, regardless of pay grade. Things go wrong when a sufficient number of people say, "That's not my job." The morale problem sucks, but it predates the spy scandal by several years, apparently. It would likely still be a factor even in the absence of a scandal. Maybe things will improve, regardless.

Bruce report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

To HP Employee

Aug 17, 2007 10:44     

Sounds like you and your co-workers need to find a new job if you're not happy with the situation in your company. Otherwise, you're allowing it to happen to you, and you have little reason to complain. I don't really have sympathy for 'those at the bottom of the food chain' who complain about being on the bottom or how they're treated and do nothing about it. Good luck with whatever you do, but it's up to you do either find a way to earn a promotion, or move on to find a company that better fits your wants and needs. Don't blame your company when you have control over you are unhappy and still control your own life and choices.

Will report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: To HP Employee

Aug 17, 2007 13:24     

I agree that we all have control over what we do, but sometimes other responsibilities (like a family to take care of) limit the reasonable choices people have. On top of that, it sounds like this person is trying to be loyal to their company. . . just not necessarily to the people running it. If so I hope they are doing as much as they can from the inside to try to effect change. Even though that can be very frustrating.

Anon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: Bottom of the food chain

Aug 18, 2007 10:14     

Just be positive - there's always someone below you: What do you call 100 reporters/lawyers/corrupt CEOs at the bottom of the ocean? A good start!
bob report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

What about the leaks?

Aug 28, 2007 17:52     

All I ever hear about in the HP case is how reporters were spied on. What about the leaks? Isn't it illegal to sell insider information? Surely the press offered money in exchange for the info, or else the person leaking the info just wanted to hurt HP. Why don't we ever here about that? Is it because they never found out who was behind the leaks?
Schrag report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Not a cash grab by the journalists

Sep 28, 2007 14:37     

Given the journalists were already offered a significant settlement (per the article), I don't think this is a matter of the journalists simply trying to get more money (although I am sure they will accept it...). I believe these journalists are actually taking the high road and trying to out those who were responsible as well as their illegal/immoral methods.
Tom Woolf report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0