Apple Illegally Interrogated and Coerced Employees Trying to Unionize in Atlanta, Says U.S. Labor Board

Apple violated federal law by holding mandatory anti-union meetings and interrogating and coercing employees at an Atlanta retail location, according a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that was shared by Bloomberg.

atlanta apple store
Back in May, employees at the Cumberland Mall retail location planned to hold a union election in June, with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) organizing the store. The CWA withdrew its request to hold an election, accusing Apple of "repeated violations" that made a "free and fair election impossible."

In a statement shared by Bloomberg, the CWA said today that "Apple executives think the rules don't apply to them," equating Apple's tactics to "psychological warfare."

The NLRB said that it will issue a complaint if Apple does not settle, and it would be the second such complaint. The NLRB issued a complaint against Apple in September after Apple used the same anti-union tactics at a New York store. The NLRB is not able to assess penalties, but it is able to seek policy changes and informational remedies.

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Top Rated Comments

atomic.flip Avatar
26 weeks ago

"We'll take anyone if they pay us dues" is not a union that actually represents or fights for the people paying dues.
Spoken like a true anti-worker rights employer.

I’ve never been part of a union or had access to them in my career but I’d support unions for any of my employees. Granted I’ve never been such a terrible employer that I’d have to actually negotiate with one.

Apple is a nearly trillion dollar entity. They CAN afford to provide improved working conditions and even pay their staff a little more.

Enough with the corporate and individual greed.
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
atomic.flip Avatar
26 weeks ago

Okay if Apple violated law, fine. They should be held accountable. But “psychological warfare” gimme a break!
You either have no clue or have a very good clue and remain in denial about things like this actually happening.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
msackey Avatar
26 weeks ago

Okay if Apple violated law, fine. They should be held accountable. But “psychological warfare” gimme a break!
Don't underestimate the power of unintended coercion. Because the power relations between manager/director and worker (particularly non-union represented worker) is undeniably unequal, you have to find ways to mitigate that existing imbalance for actually free elections.

I have been rather disappointed in Apple's approach towards labour unions. You'd think there's a small chance that Apple would "Think Different" with regards to this, but they have been and are acting just like any old corporate America would. SMH. Shame on Apple.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
26 weeks ago
Pretty damn bad if this really happened.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GMShadow Avatar
26 weeks ago

The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech and other fields.
"We'll take anyone if they pay us dues" is not a union that actually represents or fights for the people paying dues.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
atomic.flip Avatar
26 weeks ago

why wouldn't they form their own union?
Resources. You expect a bunch of individual (mostly college age) retail workers to form a legal entity, hire attorneys and an advisory board? Just to start. Come on…
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)