?Apple allegedly violated labor law by interrogating retail employees about their support for unions and restricting the placement of union fliers in a break room at a store in New York City, according to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which has issued a complaint against the company. We’ve gathered articles on the news from SHRM Online and other media outlets.
Unionization Efforts at Company
Labor drives at Apple in Atlanta and New York City have stalled. However, in June, employees at a Towson, Md., store voted to join the union. Apple employees in Oklahoma City will soon hold a union election.
An Apple spokesman said the company disagreed with the union’s claims in New York City and looked “forward to presenting the facts.” He added that the company valued the work of its retail staff.
Wage Concerns
Among other areas of concerns, workers at the locations that have had unionization efforts are reportedly dissatisfied with wages that haven’t kept up with inflation at one of the world’s most valuable companies.
(Gizmodo)
Remedy Sought
The complaint against Apple seeks to require the company to post a notice at the New York City store about workers’ rights under federal law and train managers on their legal obligations. A Dec. 23 hearing is scheduled before an NLRB administrative law judge.
(Reuters)
Organizing Trend
The Towson, Md., store voted to unionize, the NLRB announced in June, joining a growing trend in labor organizing among retailers, restaurants and tech companies.
(SHRM Online) and (The New York Times)
Complaint Process
Complaints issued by labor board prosecutors are considered by administrative law judges, whose decisions can be appealed to the NLRB in Washington, D.C., and from there to federal court. The agency can order companies to change policies that conflict with the law, but it lacks authority to issue punitive damages for violations.