Apple's Union-Busting Practices Violated Employee Rights at NYC Store, Judge Rules

Apple is once again in trouble for its union-busting practices, with a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) judge ruling that Apple interfered with employees' efforts to organize with the Communications Workers of America at its World Trade Center store here in New York City. Managers were found to have taken away pro-union flyers in the break room and attempted to dissuade employees from joining unions, which prosecutors argued had led employees to end the organizing campaign. A judge ordered Apple to "cease and desist from coercively interrogating employees regarding their protected concerning activities and Union sympathies."

The news broke in early 2022 that Apple store workers nationwide were quietly organizing in response to concerns that their wages didn't reflect the rising cost of living. However, Apple soon hired the anti-union law firm Littler Mendelson, which also represents Starbucks and McDonalds, among others. The company also instructed store managers to share anti-union sentiments, such as warning employees that joining a union could bring reduced pay, career opportunities and time off. Read more in Bloomberg and Engadget.