Apple accused by National Labor Relations Board of 'restricting employees' use of social media'
US labor board accuses Apple of restricting workers' Slack, social media use | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-accused-restricting-workers-slack-social-media-use-by-us-labor-board-2024-10-11/
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, the NLRB filed a complaint against Apple, accusing the company of maintaining unlawful work rules regarding the use of Slack, illegally firing an employee who complained about workplace conditions on Slack, and demanding that another employee delete a social media post.
This is the second time the NLRB has filed charges against Apple in October 2024. In the first week of October 2024, the NLRB also accused Apple of 'imposing workplace rules, such as requiring employees to sign unlawful non-disclosure and non-work agreements, to prevent employees from exercising their rights to organize and seek improved working conditions.'
US labor regulator accuses Apple of violating employee rights with illegal workplace rules | Reuters
https://jp.reuters.com/world/us/RK5RCBIKTFOMDAKH3PB5EDLEUA-2024-10-02/
In response to the NLRB's allegations, an Apple spokesperson told Reuters that the company is committed to maintaining a 'positive and inclusive workplace' and takes employee complaints seriously. However, the company explained that 'we strongly disagree with these allegations and will continue to present the facts at hearings.' In response to the first allegations in October 2024, Apple denied engaging in any wrongdoing and explained that it respects employees' rights to discuss wages, hours and working conditions.
If Apple cannot reach a settlement with the NLRB, an administrative judge will hold an initial hearing on the case in February 2025. The judge's decision will be reviewed by a five-member labor board, and the ruling can be appealed to federal court if challenged.
The NLRB's lawsuit stems from a complaint filed with the NLRB in 2021 by Janeke Parrish, who led employee activism at Apple and claims that she was fired in 2021 as a result of these activities.
According to the lawsuit, Parrish used Slack and social media to advocate for permanent remote work, distribute a pay equity survey, detail allegations of sexism and racism within Apple, and write an open letter criticizing the company.
Slack, which allows employees to have group conversations, was introduced at Apple several years ago and has become a popular internal communication tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the NLRB complaint, Apple prohibits employees from creating new Slack channels without administrator permission, and posts about workplace concerns must be sent to administrators or a group called 'People Support.'
Parrish's lawyer, Laurie Burgess, said Apple 'extensively violated' workers' rights on Friday, October 11, 2024. Burgess said, 'Apple used unlawful company rules to fire employees who engaged in protected activities, such as reporting sex discrimination and other civil rights violations that permeate the workplace. We seek to hold Apple accountable in this matter.'
In its complaint, the NLRB asks that Apple rescind its allegedly unlawful policies and compensate Parrish for loss of income and other economic consequences resulting from her termination.
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