Tron ex-employees filed a lawsuit against the foundation on the basis of claims of labor law violation and toxic working environment. This follows in a long line of controversies plaguing the company for the past few years. When it’s not social media lash back against Tron founder Justin Sun, then it’s critics usually targeting the firm’s philosophy for “Hype first, product second”
The legal suit accused Tron founder Justin Sun and a business associate for harassing and firing two employees. A move they deemed only as payback after the employees objected to management practices and implementation of technology.
Lukasz Juraszek, 28 and Richard Hall, 50 outlined in a 70-page document, how they’ve had to put up with escalating hostilities. Meanwhile, the toxic work environment would, later on, culminate in their termination. Both have been in the development team of BitTorrent. A file-sharing service that partnered with Tron Foundation following a $120 million sales in 2018.
The suit names Tron foundation’s 29 year old head Justin Sun and 37 year old head of engineering Cong Li as defendants. Note that the lawsuit was made public last week. Despite the fact that the claims are unproven, the legal suit could have a lasting impact on the future of Tron. The 70-page document claims that sun berated Richard Hall with derogatory remarks into pressuring him to fast track BitTorrent software releases.
On several other occasions, Juraszek pointed out that Sun had allegedly slapped Cong Li and didn’t get disciplined. Even when it was evident that Li had physically harassed a manager with whom he’d allegedly verbally attacked in person and during group chat confrontations. The document highlights that he saw two pairs of shoes through the conference room door. A sight that was followed by a loud commotion, as well as what seemed like a “hand strike, a slap or something”
After opening the door to leave the conference room, Li noted that the manager’s eyes were glossy and his eyes red.
Moreover, the suit highlighted ethical dilemmas confronting cryptocurrency workspaces. The lawsuit highlighted what seemed like working on value-neutral technology that criminals can use to break the law. Richard Hall noted risks of third parties hosting copyright-infringing content as well as child pornography. Hall added that Sun and Li showed no care about his proposal for retaining lawyers, who would review Tron Foundation’s BitTorrent updates.
Meanwhile, the lawsuit is pursuing $15 million worth of damages and government action, on the grounds of labor law violation, discrimination, wrongful termination, hostile work conditions, and emotional distress. A December submission to the court by Tron Foundation, Justin Sun and Cong Li contested to the motivation behind the charges, factual substance and jurisdictions. The lawsuit noted that :
“Cong Li summarily dismissed these concerns, stated that he had discussed these concerns with Justin Sun; and that no legal review would be done,”
What Happens After The Lawsuit
A further statement by a Tron spokesperson pointed out that Sun and Li were not able to discuss the details of pending litigation.
“but what we can tell you is that our customers, employees and the TRON community are extremely important to us.”
Nevertheless, it appears that the blockchain company turned a blind eye on an allegedly important detail of illicit activity taking place on the BitTorrent BTFS file sharing service. The lawsuit is likely than never attract regulatory scrutiny towards the Tron BitTorrent file sharing service.
While the plaintiffs only want compensation for the alleged work environment hostility; they also accused Sun of misrepresenting himself as an aspirational, “whiz kid” -; a protege of Alibaba founder Jack Ma. Whereas he engages in illicit activity and manipulation of Tron (TRX) for personal gains.
The suit cites that an employer has not the right of coercing an employee into unlawful directions. And neither the right to discharge the employee should they refuse to follow an unlawful order.
It would seem a strong case against the foundation had it enough backing. In fact, Sun refuted all the allegations. Possibly, Hall and Juraszek might have to present a stronger accusation to convince the court.
Tron had a rather uphill performance last year following its drop from position seven to thirteen. The coin currently sits at number 12. Analysts believe that last year would have been a wonderful year for Tron, had it not been for Sun’s media ruse.
The current accusations sit in a long line of scandals plaguing Tron Founder Justin Sun. Nonetheless, the price seems unbaffled by the happenings and optimist TRX fans still hope for the better. Especially given the blockchain’s announcement as the most active dApp ecosystem.