NLRB Ends Case Against Apple Over Tim Cook’s Leaked Email

The U.S. labor board has officially backed off its claims that Apple CEO Tim Cook violated federal labor laws with a company-wide email sent in 2021. After years of deliberation, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has withdrawn most of its allegations against Apple, including the high-profile accusation that Cook’s remarks on leaks infringed on workers’ rights, reports Bloomberg.

How Tim Cook’s 2021 Email Sparked An NLRB Case

The controversy dates back to September 2021, when details from an internal Apple meeting discussing pay equity and the company’s response to Texas’ anti-abortion law were leaked to the press. Frustrated, Tim Cook sent a strongly worded email to employees, saying Apple was doing everything possible to identify leakers and that people who disclosed confidential information “do not belong at Apple.” Ironically, that very email was leaked in full soon after.

The NLRB initially argued that Cook’s message, along with Apple’s strict confidentiality rules, interfered with employees’ rights to organize and discuss workplace issues, such as pay disparities. The agency also flagged concerns over surveillance and retaliation, including the firing of Janneke Parrish, who helped organize the #AppleToo movement.

Why The Labor Board Dropped Its Allegations

On Friday, Bloomberg reported that the NLRB formally notified Parrish’s attorney that it was dismissing the allegations. A regional director explained the decision came after a “careful investigation and consideration” of the claims. This effectively clears Apple of violating U.S. labor law in connection with Cook’s email and related policies.

The board is also dropping its accusations tied to other former employees, including Ashley Gjøvik and Cher Scarlett, who alleged Apple discouraged wage discussions and blocked staff from talking to reporters. Claims that Apple surveilled workers or created the impression of surveillance were also withdrawn.

What The Decision Means For Apple Going Forward

For now, Apple has avoided penalties in the U.S. over these workplace disputes. The company had faced at least three labor board complaints accusing it of silencing employees on issues like pay equity and discrimination, often by limiting social media or internal messaging platforms such as Slack. Apple has consistently denied wrongdoing.

But the company isn’t entirely in the clear. While the NLRB case has been closed, Apple still faces scrutiny abroad. A Chinese labor organization has accused the company of tolerating long hours, discrimination, and delayed pay at Foxconn’s main iPhone factory.