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Apple Faces Labor Relations Scrutiny Over Employee Rights

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has leveled serious accusations against Apple, claiming the tech giant has violated the rights of its employees to advocate for improved working conditions. In a complaint reported by Reuters, the NLRB alleges that Apple unlawfully terminated an employee who utilized Slack to voice concerns regarding workplace reforms. Furthermore, the agency contends that Apple compelled another employee to remove a post from social media.

This case traces back to a complaint lodged in 2021 by Janneke Parrish, a co-organizer of the #AppleToo movement. In October of that year, Parrish was dismissed from her position, with Apple accusing her of disclosing confidential information—an allegation she staunchly contests. She reportedly used Slack and public social media platforms to propose ideas such as permanent remote work arrangements.

In addition to advocating for better remote work policies, Parrish actively shared open letters criticizing Apple, circulated a pay equity survey, and highlighted incidents of sexual and racial discrimination within the company. The NLRB noted that Apple’s internal regulations restrict employees from creating Slack channels without prior permission from management. Typically, employees are directed to raise workplace issues exclusively with management or through a designated “People Support” group maintained by the company. A notable example of employee dissent on Slack was highlighted in a 2021 tweet from ex-Apple employee Ashley Gjøvik.

Parrish’s attorney, Laurie Burgess, expressed anticipation for the trial, stating, “We look forward to holding Apple accountable at trial for implementing facially unlawful rules and terminating employees for engaging in the core protected activity of calling out gender discrimination and other civil rights violations that permeated the workplace.”

In response, an Apple spokesperson articulated the company’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, stating, “We take all concerns seriously and we thoroughly investigate whenever a concern is raised.” The spokesperson also emphasized their disagreement with the allegations and confirmed the firm’s intention to present their side during the upcoming hearing.

Should negotiations fail, an initial hearing is set to take place in February before an administrative judge. The NLRB aims to pressure Apple into revising its policies and to offer financial restitution to Parrish for the challenges she faced following her termination. Additionally, last week, the NLRB accused Apple of compelling employees to sign overly broad and illegal confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements.

Update 7:09PM ET: Added comment from Apple.

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www.engadget.com