The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has dropped its claims that Apple CEO Tim Cook broke labor law with his anti-leak email in 2021. The case, which lasted four years, has now ended after a detailed review.
The controversy started when Cook criticized employees for leaking details from an all-hands meeting on pay equity. Soon after, his warning email about leaks also became public. The NLRB argued that Apple’s rules interfered with workers’ rights, leading to a long investigation.
Broader Allegations and the Parrish Case
The labor board also looked into the firing of Janneke Parrish, a leader of the #AppleToo movement. Parrish said Apple dismissed her for organizing staff, while Apple said the reasons were different. The case stalled during the Trump administration and has now been closed along with the anti-leak claims.
Apple in the Clear, For Now
In a letter to Parrish’s lawyer, an NLRB director said Apple did not break labor law. The decision clears Apple of wrongdoing in the U.S. on this issue. However, labor concerns follow the company abroad. Recently, a Chinese watchdog accused Apple’s supplier Foxconn of poor conditions, long hours, and wage delays.
What This Means for Apple
The withdrawal ends a tense dispute for Apple in the U.S. but shows the ongoing conflict between secrecy and worker rights. Apple avoids penalties at home for now, yet questions about its global supply chain keep labor issues in the spotlight.
