Apple faces new accusation of restricting workers' social media use

The US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has received a new complaint accusing Apple's management of restricting, monitoring, and interfering with workers' rights through unlawful rules regarding the use of Slack.

The complaint charges that Apple's social media policies bar workers from creating new Slack channels, demanding that workplace concerns go to either a manager or an established "People Support" channel. The company said in a statement that it 'strongly disagrees' with the new claims, and is committed to maintaining 'a positive and inclusive workplace.'

The latest case regarding interference in workers' social media rights is an outgrowth from a nearly three-year-old case by Janneke Parrish, who was fired by Apple in 2021 for her employee and union activism, which included her use of Slack and other social media outlets. Apple will need to reach a settlement with the NLRB that addresses its concerns, or face a hearing by an administrative judge.