The U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against Apple Inc. (AAPL.O), alleging that the tech giant restricted employees’ rights to discuss workplace conditions by limiting their use of social media and the internal messaging app Slack. The complaint, issued on Thursday, also accuses Apple of unlawfully firing an employee for using Slack to advocate for workplace changes and directing another worker to delete a social media post. Additionally, the company is alleged to have created an impression of monitoring employees’ social media activities.
This marks the second time this month that the NLRB has taken action against Apple. Just last week, the agency charged Apple with requiring employees nationwide to sign unlawful confidentiality, nondisclosure, and noncompete agreements. These agreements, according to the NLRB, included overly broad misconduct and social media policies.
In response, an Apple spokesperson stated that the company is committed to maintaining a “positive and inclusive workplace” and strongly disagrees with the claims, noting that it intends to present its case at the upcoming hearing. Apple has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that it respects employees’ rights to discuss wages, hours, and working conditions.
If Apple does not reach a settlement with the NLRB, an administrative judge will preside over an initial hearing in February. The judge’s ruling could be subject to review by the five-member labor board, with potential appeals extending to federal court.
The case stems from a complaint filed nearly three years ago by former Apple employee Janneke Parrish, who claims she was terminated in 2021 for her activism. Parrish had reportedly used Slack and social media to advocate for permanent remote work, conduct a pay equity survey, highlight alleged discrimination issues, and publish open letters critical of Apple’s policies.
Related topics:
Rise of Buy Now, Pay Later: A Closer Look at Consumer Spending Trends
Northvolt Confirms Ability to Meet Upcoming Tax Obligations Amid Financial Struggles
Investor Spotlight on AI Gains as S&P 500 Earnings Season Begins