Apple illegally questioned and made coercive statements to employees during a union action at one of its stores in Atlanta, Georgia, according to a National Labor Relations Board ruling reported by Bloomberg. The company was under investigation as a result of charges filed by the Communications Workers of America, who previously alleged that the company’s actions “precluded a free and fair election” at the site.
According to Kayla Blado, a spokesperson for the regulator, “the NLRB’s regional director found merit” for the allegations and for allegations that Apple held meetings for captive audiences. Apple will either have to settle the matter or face the NLRB filing a complaint against it. The regulator can’t impose financial penalties, but either way could result in Apple being forced to post site signage and other communications informing employees of their legal rights.
Outside of Atlanta, there is a unionization movement at other Apple store locations. Workers in Maryland and Oklahoma voted to organize with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the CWA, respectively, while other campaigns emerged and withered. Efforts are ongoing in other locations.