NLRB Withdraws Several Claims Against Apple — What Happened

The National Labor Relations Board has withdrawn many of the claims it made against Apple related to the 2021 cases brought by former employees Ashley Gjøvik and Cher Scarlett. Notably, the NLRB dropped an allegation that Apple CEO Tim Cook violated workers’ rights when he sent an all‑staff email stating that “people who leak confidential information do not belong” at the company. The board also withdrew claims that Apple unlawfully fired activist Janneke Parrish and that the company’s confidentiality rules and alleged surveillance of employees violated labor protections.

Background: In 2021 Cook sent an email saying Apple was “doing everything in [its] power to identify those who leaked” information from an internal meeting about pay equity and Texas’ abortion law. Gjøvik and Scarlett accused Apple of prohibiting wage discussions and preventing staff from speaking to reporters. After its initial investigation, the NLRB had concluded Cook’s email and Apple’s behavior were “interfering with, restraining and coercing employees in the exercise of their rights.” The board’s recent withdrawals reduce the scope of those earlier findings.

Observers note this follows a pattern of a more employer‑friendly NLRB under the current administration, but it’s unclear whether the board has withdrawn all allegations related to the complaint. Reporting sources include:

• Engadget — NLRB drops allegation that Apple’s CEO violated employees’ rights
• Bloomberg — coverage on NLRB withdrawing claims against Apple (see Bloomberg for full report)

Questions for readers: Do you think the NLRB’s move reflects a larger policy shift? Should companies be allowed to enforce confidentiality that strongly? Share your views below.

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