Apple violated United States labor laws by sending out an email that warned employees about leaking confidential information about the Cupertino firm, says a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling. (Via Bloomberg)
The NLRB general counsel’s office has determined that “various work rules” imposed by the tech giant “tend to interfere with, restrain or coerce employees” from exercising their rights to collective action, spokesperson Kayla Blado said Monday. The agency “found merit to a charge alleging statements and conduct by Apple — including high-level executives — also violated the National Labor Relations Act.”
Unless Apple settles, the board’s regional director will issue a complaint against the Cupertino, California-based company, Blado said in an email.
The decision references an employee email that was sent out by Apple CEO Tim Cook in November 2021. Cook said that people who leak confidential information about Apple “do not belong” at the company, whether they were discussing “product IP or the details of a confidential meeting.” At the time, he threatened that Apple was doing “everything in [its] power to identify those who leaked.”
Cook’s email was referencing employees who had shared details about a meeting focused on pay equity, working from home, COVID vaccinations, and more.
The NLRB ruling says Cook violated worker rights with his statements, and as a result, Apple will need to settle with the NLRB to avoid a complaint.
(Via MacRumors)