US Labor Board Drops Allegation That Apple CEO Violated employees’ Rights
Washington D.C. – September 27, 2025 – The National Labor Relations board (NLRB) has withdrawn claims that Apple CEO Tim Cook‘s email to employees interfered with their labor rights, marking a shift in the board’s position in a case involving former Apple employees. The email, sent previously, addressed concerns about confidential data disclosures.
The NLRB initially alleged that Cook’s communication, along with Apple’s broader behavior, was “interfering with, restraining and coercing employees in the exercise of their rights.” However, the board is now dropping its claim that the email itself violated those rights. It is also withdrawing allegations that the firing of activist Janneke parrish, a leader of the #AppleToo movement, broke the law.
Further withdrawn allegations include those concerning apple’s imposition of confidentiality rules and surveillance of workers.
The move comes as Bloomberg reports a trend of the NLRB being more favorable to companies under President Trump. The NLRB has been contacted for further comment.
Notably, the NLRB has not withdrawn claims filed by former employee Cher Scarlett, which relate to pay equity, suppression of wage discussions, and constructive discharge.
A separate case involving former employee Ashley gjøvik was settled with Apple in april. That settlement required Apple to revise rules around employee agreements and discussions of company information, clarifying “that employees can talk about their pay, working conditions, and union organizing without retaliation,” and speak to the press. Some initial claims made in complaints by Gjøvik,including those regarding Apple telling employees not to disclose company communications and her subsequent suspension and firing,have also been withdrawn.
