By Apple is being accused of infringing on workers’ rights in the US. The country’s labor board has claimed that the Cupertino-based tech company enforced a range of illegal workplace policies aimed at deterring employees from unionizing and pushing for improved working conditions.
As reported by Reuters, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint accusing Apple of requiring employees across the US to sign unlawful confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements. Additionally, the complaint condemns Apple for “interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees” in exercising their rights under federal labor laws.
Potential Impact on Apple
If Apple does not resolve the alleged employee rights violations, the case is set to move forward to a hearing before an administrative judge in January, as reported.
Through this complaint, the NLRB seeks to compel Apple to revise the supposedly unlawful workplace policies and to ensure that all US employees are made aware of their legal rights concerning unionization and workplace advocacy.
However, the administrative judge’s ruling can be further contested by the labor board. Any decisions from the judge may be reviewed by the five-member NLRB.
Moreover, the board’s decisions can be appealed to federal courts, potentially extending the legal confrontation between Apple and the NLRB.
The NLRB’s complaint against Apple stems from charges filed by Ashley Gjovik, a former senior engineering manager, in 2021.
