NLRB Dismisses Complaint Against Apple CEO Over Employee Rights

The U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has dismissed a complaint filed against Apple CEO Tim Cook, which alleged that he violated employee rights through an internal email sent in 2021. The complaint, brought forward by former Apple employee Ashley Gjøvik, claimed that Cook’s message discouraged workers from discussing wages and working conditions, potentially breaching federal labor laws.
In the email, Cook emphasized the importance of confidentiality and loyalty within the company, stating that those who leak internal information “do not belong at Apple.” Gjøvik argued that this language created a chilling effect, deterring employees from exercising their legally protected rights to organize and communicate about workplace issues.
After reviewing the case, the NLRB concluded that the email did not amount to a violation of the National Labor Relations Act. The board found that Cook’s remarks were general in nature and did not specifically target protected activities such as wage discussions or union organizing. The decision effectively closes the case, with no further action planned unless new evidence emerges.
Apple has not issued a public statement regarding the dismissal, but the outcome reinforces the company’s stance that internal communications were not intended to suppress employee rights. Gjøvik, who has previously filed multiple complaints against Apple, expressed disappointment with the ruling and criticized the broader regulatory framework for failing to hold executives accountable.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between tech companies and labor advocates, especially as workplace transparency and employee activism gain momentum across the industry.