The U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint accusing Apple of restricting employees’ rights by imposing overly strict policies on social media and workplace messaging. The agency claims that Apple limited workers’ use of Slack and other platforms, allegedly preventing them from organizing and advocating for better conditions. This new complaint adds to previous allegations against the tech giant, with the NLRB taking a firm stance on Apple’s workplace practices.
Claims of Unlawful Workplace Rules
According to the NLRB, Apple implemented policies that require employees to seek permission before creating new Slack channels. The complaint also alleges that Apple fired an employee for using Slack to discuss workplace concerns and pressured another to delete a social media post. These actions, the NLRB argues, create an environment where workers feel monitored, discouraging open discussion about workplace issues. This is the second recent complaint from the NLRB, following one earlier this month regarding Apple’s confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.
Apple’s Response and Worker Advocacy
Apple has denied the NLRB’s accusations. A company spokesperson stated that Apple is committed to a positive workplace and respects employee rights. However, Laurie Burgess, the lawyer representing the fired employee, claims that Apple engaged in “extensive violations” of workers’ rights. She argues that Apple’s policies prevent employees from discussing issues such as gender discrimination and pay equity.
A Broader Context of Labor Disputes
This case is part of a broader movement by U.S. regulators to address labor issues in major corporations. For Apple, these allegations bring further scrutiny to its workplace culture and policies. If Apple does not settle, the case will proceed to a hearing before an administrative judge in February. The outcome could lead to policy changes at Apple, impacting how it handles employee rights and workplace communication in the future.
The NLRB has called on Apple to rescind these policies and compensate the affected employees, underscoring the agency’s commitment to defending workers’ rights in the digital age.
