NLRB accuses Apple of illegally restricting employee Slack and social media use

The National Labor Relations Board has accused Apple of violating its employees’ rights to advocate for better working conditions. in a complaint seen by ReutersThe agency alleges that Apple illegally fired an employee who had used Slack to advocate for workplace changes at the company. Separately, the NLRB accuses Apple of forcing another worker to delete a social media post.

The case arises from a 2021 complaint filed by #AppleToo co-organizer Janneke Parrish. In October of that year, Apple fired Parrish for allegedly sharing confidential information, a He claims that she denies it.. According to the complaint, Parrish used Slack and public social media posts to advocate for permanent remote work.

He also shared open letters critical of the tech giant, distributed a survey on pay equity, and recounted cases of sexual and racial discrimination at Apple. According to the labor board, Apple policies prohibit employees from creating Slack channels without first obtaining permission from a manager. Instead, workers should direct their workplace concerns to management or a “People Support” group maintained by the company. An example of the type of concerns that some employees used Slack to express can be seen in a 2021 tweet from former Apple employee Ashley Gjøvik.

“We look forward to holding Apple accountable at trial for implementing apparently illegal rules and firing employees for engaging in the core protected activity of reporting gender discrimination and other civil rights violations that permeated the workplace,” Parrish’s attorney said. Laurie Burgess. Reuters.

Apple disputes Parrish’s claims. “We are and have always been deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace. We take all concerns seriously and investigate thoroughly whenever a concern arises and, out of respect for the privacy of those involved “We do not discuss specific employee issues,” an Apple spokesperson told Engadget. “We strongly disagree with these claims and will continue to share the facts at the hearing.”

Provided Apple does not reach an agreement with the agency, an initial hearing is scheduled for February with an administrative law judge. The NLRB seeks to force the company to change its policy and reimburse Parrish for the financial hardship he suffered due to his termination. Last week, the NLRB accused Apple of forcing employees to sign illegal and overly broad confidentiality, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements.

Update at 7:09 pm ET: Added comment from Apple.