Apple Manager to Pursue Legal Action Over Harassment and Retaliation

While Apple Inc. has been in the news for its latest line of iPhones and other coveted devices, the tech giant is also dealing with allegations of mistreating workers. A former Apple employee alleged the company wrongfully terminated her in retaliation for complaining about the work environment. Management was also accused of humiliating, harassing and discriminating against her.

Ashley Gjovik worked as a senior engineering program manager at Apple. She filed charges with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board in Oakland, California, on August 26. In her complaint, Gjovik alleged a manager harassed her and the company subjected her to various disciplinary actions as retaliation.

Gjovik raised concerns about hazardous conditions in her work environment in July. Apple’s management, however, failed to discuss possible solutions to her complaints. Instead, the Employment Relations department allegedly forced Gjovik to take paid administrative leave, reduced her job duties and launched a botched retaliatory investigation against her.

Gjovik also filed a complaint with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which handles workplace safety matters. She obtained right to sue notices from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), which allows her to move forward with a discrimination lawsuit against Apple in state or federal court.

Gjovik has been outspoken about Apple’s unfair business practices and alleged mistreatment of employees. She stated her intention to continue pursuing her legal complaints against the company. The former Apple employee said she was determined to hold her employer accountable and improve the work environment for her coworkers.

Like many other Silicon Valley giants, Apple has been secretive about its work culture. However, large tech companies have increasingly been unable to escape the scrutiny of their working conditions as more and more employees come forward with complaints.

Workplace violations can occur in any company, no matter its size. High-profile cases such as this one draw attention to the need to do more to ensure workers are treated fairly by employers.

If you have experienced unlawful treatment at work, speak to a skilled employment lawyer about what happened. When you contact Erlich Law Firm, we will advise you on what steps you can take and how you can hold your employer accountable for their misconduct.