Apple Faces Second NLRB Complaint Over Social Media Restrictions and Employee Firings

The US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) accused Apple of violating workers’ rights by restricting their use of social media and the Slack messaging platform to organize for better working conditions. The NLRB complaint, filed on October 10, alleges that Apple enforced unlawful work rules regarding Slack, wrongfully terminated an employee advocating for workplace improvements, and coerced another worker into deleting a social media post. Additionally, the company is accused of creating the impression that employees were being surveilled through their social media activity.

This marks the second complaint Apple has faced from the NLRB in October. Earlier, the company was charged with making employees sign illegal confidentiality, nondisclosure, and noncompete agreements, as well as imposing overly broad misconduct and social media policies. In response, Apple denied these claims, asserting its commitment to a “positive and inclusive workplace” and expressing disagreement with the accusations. If the company does not settle, a hearing is scheduled for February 2025, with potential appeals in federal court.