Apple Faces Fresh NLRB Complaint Over Alleged Worker Rights Violations on Slack, Social Media

The U.S. National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) has accused Apple of restricting workers’ ability to use platforms like Slack and social media to advocate for better working conditions. In a complaint filed on Thursday, the NLRB alleges that Apple enforced rules limiting Slack usage, fired an employee for raising workplace concerns, and pressured another employee to delete a social media post, creating an atmosphere of online surveillance.

This marks the second NLRB complaint against Apple this month. Earlier, the agency accused Apple of making employees sign unlawful confidentiality and noncompete agreements while also enforcing overly broad social media policies.

In its defence, Apple maintains that it is committed to fostering a “positive and inclusive workplace” and denies the accusations. The company asserts that it respects employees’ rights to discuss working conditions but strongly disagrees with the NLRB’s claims.

The complaint centres on the case of Janneke Parrish, a former employee fired in 2021 after advocating for remote work and pay equity. Parrish’s attorney, Laurie Burgess, has accused Apple of serious violations of workers’ rights. A hearing is scheduled for February, unless a settlement is reached. The complaint seeks to overturn Apple’s policies and provide compensation to Parrish for her termination.