Apple Prevails in Labor Dispute with Terminated Retail Employees

The National Labor Relations Board has dismissed the most serious allegations against Apple Inc. in a case involving fired retail store employees, but officials still maintain that the company mistreated workers. Last year, Apple terminated five workers in Kansas City, Missouri, who were involved in organizing union activity. The company claimed the workers were let go for attendance issues, but the Communications Workers of America alleged they were fired for their unionization efforts.

The NLRB initially dismissed the firing allegations last October, but the union filed an appeal in November. On Thursday, the NLRB rejected the appeal, stating that there was insufficient evidence to show the employees were discharged because of their protected activities. However, the NLRB found that Apple violated the law in other ways, including coercing employees to waive their legal rights and holding mandatory anti-union meetings.

Apple has been at odds with union groups and the US labor board as its retail stores push to unionize. Only two locations have successfully unionized so far, with more in the process of voting. This weekend, the Towson location will vote on authorizing a strike ahead of new bargaining talks with Apple. The union is negotiating for better pay, overtime, leave of absences, time-away benefits, and scheduling.

Earlier this month, the NLRB ruled that Apple illegally interrogated staff at its World Trade Center store in New York City. Apple denies the claims and looks forward to presenting the full set of facts to the NLRB. The agency plans to issue a complaint against the company if a settlement is not reached.