Julia Love

SAN FRANCISCO, (Reuters: Apple) sent a striking message to its employees Friday. It was striking considering Apple’s reputation for secrecy. The message reminded workers that they can discuss their wages, working hours, and conditions.

Apple received the notice because employees were pushing Apple for greater pay equality.

Apple stated in an internal post that its policies don’t prohibit employees “speaking freely” regarding working conditions. Reuters viewed a copy.

According to the posting, employees who have concerns should feel free to voice them as they see fit.

Apple spokesperson declined to comment.

Apple already stated in its business conduct policies that employees were free to talk about wages, hours, and work conditions. That language is usually protected by U.S. laws.

Janneke Parrish, a former Apple manager, stated that employees have been met with resistance.

Parrish, who was fired after playing a leading role in employee activism https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-worker-says-she-was-fired-after-leading-movement-against-harassment-2021-10-15, said she is hopeful that Apple’s message will ease the path for others.

“The first step in making people aware of their rights is the most important,” she stated.

Apple previously stated that it doesn’t discuss employee issues and is committed to “creating and maintaining an inclusive and positive workplace.”

This is part of a larger push by Silicon Valley workers for transparency about working conditions and technology’s impact on society.

Cher Scarlett (Apple software engineer) wrote earlier this week that she was leaving the company.

Scarlett filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board https://www.reuters.com/article/apple-labor-idCAKBN2HN29I alleging that Apple halted discussions of pay among employees. Aleksandr Felstiner was her lawyer and said the matter has been resolved. Scarlett stated that she couldn’t comment.

Scarlett and Parrish collaborated on #AppleToo, a Facebook group where former and current employees share stories about discrimination and harassment.

Apple is well known for keeping details on new products secret. Parrish stated that employees sometimes don’t know they have the right to discuss topics like pay or working conditions.