The United States Labor Department has launched a whistleblower retaliation investigation focused on Apple, says a report from Financial Times.
Financial Times says that former Apple employee Ashley Gjovik, 35, had been a senior engineering program manager for six years at Apple when she was fired in September for allegedly leaking confidential information.
Gjovik on Twitter complained about ongoing harassment and unsafe working conditions at Apple, saying she believes that she was fired under a false pretext following numerous complaints that led to more than a dozen instances of retaliation including job reassignment.
Apple told Financial Times that it is “deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace.” The company said that it takes “all concerns seriously” and investigates thoroughly when a complaint is raised.
Apple has recently faced employee criticism, which has led to the creation of an “AppleToo” initiative calling on Apple executives to address the abuse, discrimination, and harassment that employees have reported.