Apple allegedly ordered staff to sign illegal confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements
Apple has "strongly" disagreed with the accusations of a labour board complaint alleging it implemented a series of unlawful workplace rules, according to reports.
In a complaint filed by the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB), Apple was accused of requiring employees in the United States to sign illegal confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements.
It is also accused of imposing overly broad misconduct and social media policies, Reuters reported.
According to the report, the complaint stems from charges filed in 2021 by a former senior engineering manager at the company.
The senior manager accused Apple of deterring employees from discussing issues, such as pay equity and sex discrimination, with each other and the media by using rules related to confidentiality and social media use.
Apple 'strongly' disagrees with NLRB
Apple has shot down the accusations in a statement provided to Reuters: "We strongly disagree with these claims and will continue to share the facts at the hearing.”
According to the Apple spokesperson, the company has always respected its employees' rights to discuss wages, hours, and working conditions, noting that this is reflected in its employment policies.
If Apple does not settle the case with the NLRB, an administrative judge will rule on the complaint, which will be reviewed by a five-member labour board. This ruling can be appealed to federal appeals courts.
Apple has been facing various NLRB cases relating to the firing of an employee for criticising managers and illegally interfering with a union campaign, which the company has denied.
