Apple Illegally Interrogated and Coerced Employees Trying to Unionize in Atlanta, Says U.S. Labor Board - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Illegally Interrogated and Coerced Employees Trying to Unionize in Atlanta, Says U.S. Labor Board

Apple violated federal law by holding mandatory anti-union meetings and interrogating and coercing employees at an Atlanta retail location, according a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that was shared by Bloomberg.

atlanta apple store
Back in May, employees at the Cumberland Mall retail location planned to hold a union election in June, with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) organizing the store. The CWA withdrew its request to hold an election, accusing Apple of "repeated violations" that made a "free and fair election impossible."

In a statement shared by Bloomberg, the CWA said today that "Apple executives think the rules don't apply to them," equating Apple's tactics to "psychological warfare."

The NLRB said that it will issue a complaint if Apple does not settle, and it would be the second such complaint. The NLRB issued a complaint against Apple in September after Apple used the same anti-union tactics at a New York store. The NLRB is not able to assess penalties, but it is able to seek policy changes and informational remedies.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Popular Stories

Blue and Pink Apple Accessories Feature

Apple Just Added New Accessories, Including Thinnest-Ever PopSockets

Tuesday June 16, 2026 12:42 pm PDT by
Apple has teamed up with accessory makers to offer chargers, stands, power banks, cables, and more in bright color options like blue, pink, and teal. The splash of color arrives in time for summer in the U.S. and many other countries. The new color options are available exclusively from Apple, both online and for in-store pickup. Notably, one of the accessories added to Apple's online...
Apple Store App Liquid Glass Feature

Three Apple Stores in U.S. Are Permanently Closing Today

Saturday June 20, 2026 7:14 am PDT by
As previously announced, Apple is moving forward with permanently closing three of its retail stores in the U.S. today, including a unionized location. The locations that are closing on the evening of Saturday, June 20: Apple Trumbull in Trumbull, Connecticut Apple North County in Escondido, California Apple Towson Town Center in Towson, Maryland In April, Apple said it made the...
Apple Store Logo

Apple Store in Ann Arbor, Michigan is Moving Soon

Wednesday June 24, 2026 7:15 am PDT by
Apple's retail store at the Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor, Michigan will be relocating to a larger space at the mall as early as the end of July, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Simon Property Group has been redeveloping a portion of the surface parking lot at the Briarwood Mall, and previous reports have indicated that Apple will be moving its store to this new mixed-use...

Top Rated Comments

atomic.flip Avatar
47 months ago

"We'll take anyone if they pay us dues" is not a union that actually represents or fights for the people paying dues.
Spoken like a true anti-worker rights employer.

I’ve never been part of a union or had access to them in my career but I’d support unions for any of my employees. Granted I’ve never been such a terrible employer that I’d have to actually negotiate with one.

Apple is a nearly trillion dollar entity. They CAN afford to provide improved working conditions and even pay their staff a little more.

Enough with the corporate and individual greed.
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
atomic.flip Avatar
47 months ago

Okay if Apple violated law, fine. They should be held accountable. But “psychological warfare” gimme a break!
You either have no clue or have a very good clue and remain in denial about things like this actually happening.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
47 months ago

Okay if Apple violated law, fine. They should be held accountable. But “psychological warfare” gimme a break!
Don't underestimate the power of unintended coercion. Because the power relations between manager/director and worker (particularly non-union represented worker) is undeniably unequal, you have to find ways to mitigate that existing imbalance for actually free elections.

I have been rather disappointed in Apple's approach towards labour unions. You'd think there's a small chance that Apple would "Think Different" with regards to this, but they have been and are acting just like any old corporate America would. SMH. Shame on Apple.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
47 months ago
Pretty damn bad if this really happened.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GMShadow Avatar
47 months ago

The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech and other fields.
"We'll take anyone if they pay us dues" is not a union that actually represents or fights for the people paying dues.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
atomic.flip Avatar
47 months ago

why wouldn't they form their own union?
Resources. You expect a bunch of individual (mostly college age) retail workers to form a legal entity, hire attorneys and an advisory board? Just to start. Come on…
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)