Apple faces accusations over worker rights violations

The National Labor Relations Board in the US is taking action against Apple for allegedly restricting employees’ rights to advocate for better working conditions through Slack and social media.

Apple is nearing its first US retail employee union agreement.

The US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accused Apple of violating workers’ rights by restricting the use of Slack and social media for discussions about working conditions. According to the NLRB complaint, Apple implemented policies that limited how employees could use workplace messaging and fired one worker for advocating for change. The complaint also claims Apple created the impression that workers were being monitored on social media.

This is the second complaint filed against Apple this month. The earlier case accused the company of forcing employees to sign illegal non-compete and confidentiality agreements. Apple has denied the accusations, stating it is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment and respects employees’ rights to discuss issues like pay and working conditions.

The case stems from a 2021 complaint by former employee Janneke Parrish, who claims she was fired for leading workplace activism efforts. Parrish’s lawyer said Apple’s actions were unlawful and violated workers’ rights to protest discrimination. If a settlement isn’t reached, a hearing will be held in February 2024.