In a significant development, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has indefinitely postponed two cases against Apple Inc. This decision comes shortly after President Donald Trump nominated Crystal Carey, a partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius and a defense attorney for Apple, to serve as the NLRB’s general counsel. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/ad7fcc22-343e-47e3-a6f3-58bfd4294c9d?utm_source=openai))
Background on the NLRB Cases Against Apple
The NLRB had initiated multiple complaints against Apple, alleging that the company interfered with employees’ rights to organize and discuss wages. These complaints were rooted in events from 2021, when Apple employees launched the #AppleToo movement to address concerns about wage disparities and workplace conditions. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/ad7fcc22-343e-47e3-a6f3-58bfd4294c9d?utm_source=openai))
Two prominent figures in this movement, Janneke Parrish and Cher Scarlett, claimed they were wrongfully terminated due to their labor organizing efforts. The NLRB supported their allegations, stating that Apple violated federal labor laws by interfering with discussions about pay equity and retaliating against employees advocating for workplace changes. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/ad7fcc22-343e-47e3-a6f3-58bfd4294c9d?utm_source=openai))
Nomination of Crystal Carey and Subsequent Case Freezes
President Trump’s nomination of Crystal Carey, who has represented Apple in these labor disputes, to the position of NLRB general counsel has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Carey remains employed at Morgan Lewis & Bockius pending Senate confirmation. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/ad7fcc22-343e-47e3-a6f3-58bfd4294c9d?utm_source=openai))
Following her nomination, the NLRB informed Parrish and Scarlett that their scheduled hearings had been postponed indefinitely, pending a legal review by the agency’s head office. This move has sparked apprehension among labor advocates about the future impartiality of the NLRB under new leadership. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/ad7fcc22-343e-47e3-a6f3-58bfd4294c9d?utm_source=openai))
Broader Implications and Reactions
The nomination of a defense attorney for a major corporation to a key position within the NLRB has intensified debates over the independence of federal agencies and the protection of workers’ rights. Critics argue that such appointments could undermine the agency’s ability to fairly adjudicate labor disputes and protect employees from unfair labor practices. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/ad7fcc22-343e-47e3-a6f3-58bfd4294c9d?utm_source=openai))
Janneke Parrish expressed her concerns, stating, “I fear for the future of workers’ rights, and for the ability of any worker to get their day in court under this administration.” ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/ad7fcc22-343e-47e3-a6f3-58bfd4294c9d?utm_source=openai))
Historical Context of Apple’s Labor Relations
Apple has faced multiple allegations of labor law violations in recent years. In October 2024, the NLRB accused Apple of imposing unlawful workplace policies that violated employees’ rights to organize and discuss wages. The agency alleged that Apple required employees to sign restrictive confidentiality and non-compete agreements, effectively silencing them on critical workplace issues. ([washingtontimes.com](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/oct/1/national-labor-relations-board-accuses-apple-of-si/?utm_source=openai))
In May 2024, the NLRB ruled that Apple illegally interrogated staff at its World Trade Center store in New York City and confiscated union flyers, actions that were deemed to interfere with employees’ rights to organize. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2024/05/06/us-labor-board-rules-apple-illegally-interrogated-staff-and-confiscated-union-flyers/?utm_source=openai))
Potential Consequences and Future Outlook
The indefinite postponement of the cases against Apple raises questions about the NLRB’s commitment to enforcing labor laws impartially. If the agency is perceived as favoring corporate interests over workers’ rights, it could erode trust in its ability to serve as a fair arbiter in labor disputes.
Labor advocates emphasize the importance of maintaining the NLRB’s independence to ensure that workers can exercise their rights without fear of retaliation. The outcome of Carey’s nomination and the handling of the cases against Apple will likely have significant implications for labor relations in the tech industry and beyond.
