The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against Apple Inc. (AAPL.O), accusing the tech giant of infringing on employees' rights to organize and advocate for better working conditions. The complaint, made public late Monday, alleges that Apple enforced unlawful workplace rules, including mandatory confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements. Additionally, it claims the company imposed overly restrictive social media and misconduct policies, preventing workers from discussing workplace issues freely.

According to the NLRB, Apple violated federal labor laws by "interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees" in their rights. If Apple does not resolve the case, a hearing before an administrative judge is scheduled for January 2024. The NLRB seeks to have Apple retract the allegedly unlawful policies and inform its entire U.S. workforce of their legal rights.

Apple responded through a spokesperson, asserting that the company has always respected employees' rights to discuss wages, hours, and working conditions. "We strongly disagree with these claims and will continue to share the facts at the hearing," the company stated.

The case stems from charges filed in 2021 by Ashley Gjovik, a former senior engineering manager at Apple. Gjovik claims that the company's policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and social media, discouraged employees from discussing pay equity, discrimination, and other issues. In a separate legal battle, Gjovik has also filed a lawsuit in California federal court, alleging illegal retaliation for her complaints. While a judge dismissed most of her lawsuit, Gjovik was given the option to amend some claims.

Apple is also facing additional labor disputes, including allegations of wrongful termination of an employee at its Cupertino headquarters and claims of interference with union campaigns at retail locations. Although the company denies any wrongdoing, the NLRB has ruled in favor of an employee in Manhattan who was allegedly interrogated for supporting unionization.

Since 2022, two Apple retail stores in the U.S. have unionized, with several other locations actively organizing.