The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in the complaint announced late on Monday claims Apple required employees nationwide to sign illegal confidentiality, nondisclosure, and noncompete agreements and imposed overly broad misconduct and social media policies.
The complaint accuses Apple of “interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of” their rights under federal labor law.
Apple, in a statement provided by a spokesperson, said it has always respected its employees’ rights to discuss wages, hours, and working conditions, which is reflected in its employment policies.
“We strongly disagree with these claims and will continue to share the facts at the hearing,” the company said.
If Apple does not settle the case, it will be heard by an administrative judge beginning in January. The agency is seeking to require Apple to rescind the allegedly unlawful rules and notify its entire U.S. workforce of their legal rights.
Administrative judges’ decisions can be reviewed by the five-member labor board, whose rulings can be appealed to federal appeals courts.
