NLRB says Apple interrogated and coerced employees in Atlanta

Apple unlawfully interrogated and made coercive statements to employees during a labor campaign at one of its retail stores in Atlanta, Georgia, according to a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board reported by Bloomberg. The company was under investigation following accusations brought by the Communications Workers of America, which has already claimed that the company’s actions “made impossible a free and fair election” on the spot.

The NLRB regional director “found merit” in the allegations as well as those that Apple held meetings with a captive audience, according to regulator spokeswoman Kayla Blado. Apple will either have to settle the case or face a lawsuit from the NLRB. The regulator cannot impose financial penalties, but either avenue could require Apple to install signage at the site and issue other communications that inform workers of their legal rights.

Outside of Atlanta, there has been movement on unionization at other Apple outlets. The workers of Maryland and Oklahoma voted to organize with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the CWA, respectively, while other campaigns have sprung up and withered. In other places, efforts are still ongoing.