The U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accused Apple of undermining employees’ rights to organize for improved working conditions. The agency’s allegations stem from claims that Apple imposed restrictions on workers’ use of social media and the workplace messaging platform Slack.
In a complaint issued by the NLRB on Thursday, Apple is accused of enforcing unlawful guidelines regarding Slack’s usage, terminating an employee who sought to introduce workplace reforms through the platform, compelling another employee to remove a social media post, and fostering a perception among staff that their online activities were being monitored.
This complaint marks the second against Apple by the NLRB within a month. Previously, the agency charged the company with requiring employees across the country to enter into illegal confidentiality, nondisclosure, and noncompete agreements, alongside implementing overly broad policies regarding misconduct and social media use.
Apple responded through a spokesperson on Friday, emphasizing its commitment to fostering “a positive and inclusive workplace” and underscoring the seriousness with which it takes employee grievances.
“We strongly disagree with these claims and will continue to share the facts at the hearing,” the company expressed in its statement.
In light of the previous complaint, Apple has denied any wrongdoing and affirmed its respect for employees’ rights to discuss issues concerning wages, hours, and workplace conditions.
If the situation does not reach a settlement with the NLRB, the matter is set for an initial hearing in February before an administrative judge. The ruling by this judge can then be reviewed by the five-member labor board, with possible appeals in federal court.
The latest allegations trace back to a complaint filed almost three years ago by Janneke Parrish, who claims she was terminated by Apple in 2021 for her involvement in employee activism.
Parrish reportedly utilized Slack and public social media platforms to advocate for permanent remote work, circulate a pay equity survey, highlight alleged instances of gender and racial discrimination at Apple, and share critical open letters about the company.
Slack, which facilitates group discussions, was introduced at Apple several years ago and saw a surge in use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The complaint indicates that Apple has a policy requiring employees to obtain managerial permission before creating new Slack channels, while concerns about workplace issues must be communicated either to a manager or a “People Support” group.
Parrish’s attorney, Laurie Burgess, noted in an email on Friday that Apple has committed “extensive violations” of workers’ rights. She expressed anticipation of holding the tech giant accountable during the trial for enforcing rules deemed facially unlawful and retaliating against employees for addressing gender discrimination and civil rights abuses within the workplace.
The NLRB complaint seeks to compel Apple to revoke its allegedly illegal policies and to compensate Parrish for lost wages and other related financial consequences stemming from her dismissal.
© Thomson Reuters 2024
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
