NLRB Withdraws Many 2021 Claims Against Apple; Cook Email Allegation Dismissed

Updated: September 26, 2025

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has withdrawn many of the claims it brought against Apple related to complaints filed in 2021 by former employees. Notably, the NLRB dismissed the allegation that Apple CEO Tim Cook violated workers’ rights when he sent a 2021 all‑staff email warning that “people who leak confidential information do not belong” at the company. The agency also withdrew certain allegations that Apple unlawfully fired activist Janneke Parrish and that it imposed illegal confidentiality rules or surveilled employees.

Key points

• Dismissed: allegation that Tim Cook’s 2021 anti‑leak all‑staff email violated labor law.
• Withdrawn: some claims that Apple unlawfully fired Janneke Parrish, a leader of the #AppleToo movement.
• Withdrawn: allegations that Apple unlawfully imposed confidentiality rules or unlawfully surveilled employees (or made them feel surveilled).
• Unclear/remains: It is not fully clear which specific charges filed by Cher Scarlett have been withdrawn; reports indicate many — but not necessarily all — claims tied to 2021 complaints were dismissed.
• Previous settlement: Apple earlier settled separate charges with former employee Ashley Gjøvik in April 2025; that settlement required Apple to clarify policies so employees could discuss pay, working conditions, and union organizing without retaliation.

Context

The NLRB’s decision to withdraw many allegations follows changes within the agency and comes amid reporting that the NLRB has narrowed some cases under its current leadership. News outlets reporting on this development include Engadget, MacRumors and 9to5Mac.

Sources

• Engadget — NLRB drops allegation that Apple’s CEO violated employees’ rights (Sept 26, 2025)
• MacRumors — NLRB drops allegation tied to Tim Cook email (Sept 26, 2025)
• 9to5Mac — Tim Cook cleared of labor violation charges (Sept 26, 2025)

Correction

Correction (Sept 27, 2025): Some earlier reports incorrectly suggested charges filed by Cher Scarlett were withdrawn. Scarlett’s charges related to pay equity, suppression of wage discussions, and constructive discharge were not withdrawn or dismissed.

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