NLRB accuses Apple of illegally silencing workers with restrictive agreements

The National Labor Relations Board on Monday accused tech giant Apple of silencing its employees through strict workplace policies.

According to the NLRB’s complaint, Apple requires employees to sign tough noncompete and confidentiality agreements that illegally restrict their speech. The regulator says these workplace rules “coerce” employees into self-censorship.

Apple couldn’t be reached for comment on the complaint.

The agency has asked Apple to remove the restrictive workplace policies and issue a statement informing its employees of their rights. If Apple doesn’t do that, the case will be heard before an administrative judge in early 2025.

The NLRB’s complaints are similar to ones filed by ex-Apple employees in 2021. Ashley Gjovik, a former senior engineering manager, accused the company of instituting harsh social media and confidentiality rules that discourage employees from organizing or discussing workplace conditions with the press.

The regulator’s complaint comes as Apple faces two other investigations by the NLRB relating to the growing union presence at its stores. The board is probing accusations of union busting at an Apple store in Atlanta and claims the company fired an employee for criticizing a manager at a California location.

Apple has denied wrongdoing in both cases.