NLRB Says Apple's Union Busting Efforts Violated Federal Law [Report]

The National Labor Relations Board has determined that Apple violated federal law by interrogating and coercing its Atlanta store employees in an effort to prevent the location from unionizing, according to a Bloomberg report.

The National Labor Relations Board's Atlanta regional director also concluded that Apple held mandatory anti-union meetings during which management made coercive statements and will issue a complaint if the company doesn't settle, the agency's press secretary, Kayla Blado, said Monday.

Earlier this year, the Communications Workers of America sought a unionization election at the Apple Store in Atlanta. A week before the scheduled May vote, it withdrew the petition, citing alleged misconduct by Apple.


"Apple executives think the rules don't apply to them," the group said in a statement. "Holding an illegal forced captive audience meeting is not only union-busting, but an example of psychological warfare. We commend the NLRB for recognizing captive audience meetings for exactly what they are: a direct violation of labor rights."

So far this year, two retail stores, in Maryland and Oklahoma, have voted in favor of unionizing. There are many other stores considering a petition as well, but Apple has been pushing back strongly. In September, the NLRB in New York issued a complaint against Apple, accusing the company of interrogating staff at the World Trade Center store and discriminating against union supporters with a no-soliciting policy.

Complaints issued by the NLRB are considered by judges, whose rulings can be appealed to board members in Washington, and from there to federal court. It's likely Apple will appeal any complaints it receives.

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