Apple accused of restricting workers’ slack, social media use by US labor board

The U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has recently accused Apple of infringing upon its employees’ rights to collectively advocate for improved working conditions. This accusation stems from a complaint filed on Thursday, which highlights several key issues regarding Apple’s workplace policies.

Key Allegations Against Apple

1. Unlawful Use of Slack: The NLRB claims that Apple has implemented restrictive rules regarding the acceptable use of the workplace messaging app Slack. Specifically, employees are reportedly required to obtain managerial approval before creating Slack channels for discussing workplace concerns.
2. Illegal Termination: The complaint alleges that Apple unlawfully fired an employee who utilized Slack to advocate for workplace changes. This termination is viewed as a violation of the employee’s rights to engage in protected activities under federal labor law.
3. Social Media Restrictions: Another serious allegation involves Apple forcing an employee to delete a social media post that discussed workplace issues. This action is seen as an attempt to suppress employees’ rights to communicate about their working conditions.
4. Surveillance Impressions: The NLRB also asserts that Apple’s practices create the impression among employees that they are being monitored on social media, further chilling their ability to speak freely about workplace matters.

Previous Complaints

This latest complaint marks the second time this month that the NLRB has taken action against Apple. Prior to this, the agency accused Apple of requiring employees to sign overly broad confidentiality, nondisclosure, and noncompete agreements, which are considered illegal under labor laws.

Apple’s Response

In response to these allegations, Apple has issued a statement asserting its commitment to maintaining “a positive and inclusive workplace.” The company strongly disagrees with the claims made by the NLRB and has vowed to present its case at an upcoming hearing. Apple maintains that it respects its employees’ rights to discuss wages, hours, and working conditions, despite the ongoing scrutiny from labor regulators.

Conclusion

The situation between Apple and the NLRB reflects broader tensions in the tech industry regarding employee rights and corporate governance. As these complaints unfold, they highlight significant issues related to workplace communication and employee advocacy within large organizations. An initial hearing is scheduled for February, where these matters will be further examined by an administrative judge