The US National Labor Relations Board has filed a complaint against Apple over accusations that the tech company hampered union-organizing efforts at a store in New York City. The complaint involves allegations that Apple questioned employees about workplace activism and discriminated against workers by preventing the distribution of pro-union materials.
The NLRB complaint, filed Friday, “alleges that Apple discriminated against employees by applying a no solicitation policy only against employees who formed, joined or assisted the Union by prohibiting the placement of Union flyers on the breakroom table while permitting nonunion solicitations and distributions,” a spokesperson for the agency said in an email. It also alleges that Apple “interrogated its employees about their support for the union and their protected concerted activities regarding their wages.”
The complaint stems from a May 2022 filing from the Communications Workers of America, which alleged that Apple violated several laws under the National Labor Relations Act.
Apple didn’t respond to a request for comment on the NLRB complaint. A spokesman for the company told The New York Times that Apple disagrees with the union’s claims and looks “forward to presenting the facts.” An NLRB judge has set a hearing for Dec. 13 and can order remedies, though Apple can appeal.
Retail workers at Apple stores throughout the US have sought to unionize, in cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Oklahoma City and Louisville. In May, organizers for employees at an Apple Store in Atlanta withdrew their request for a union election, accusing Apple of union-busting activity. In June, Apple reportedly shared plans to roll out new policies for retail staff aimed at flexible schedules.
During the past year, Apple has faced several complaints from staff, including one from Janneke Parrish, a former employee who accused the company of firing her for encouraging colleagues to share stories about discrimination and harassment. Parrish filed her complaint with the NLRB in November 2021, following two other Apple employees who filed similar charges with the agency in September.
At the time of Parrish’s filing, Apple said it takes all concerns seriously and investigates them thoroughly but doesn’t discuss specific employee issues with the press out of a concern for privacy.
