Apple has lifted its gag clause, which barred employees from coming forward and openly talking about sensitive workplace topics.
Previously, employee contracts included concealment policies, keeping workers from being able to speak freely about issues they may experience in the workplace.
This led to much backlash after a former employee broke an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) and came forward with allegations that Apple offered her a severance package with the contingency that she would withdraw a complaint to the National Labor Relations Board.
Following pressure from Apple Together, a union consisting of employees, the company has decided to drop the policy that restricted workers from discussing taboo workplace topics.
Last March, a petition surfaced to end this clause and received the support of over 50% of the company’s shareholders.
“Apple has agreed to remove concealment clauses from employee contracts, both for full-time employees, as well as for contract workers,” said Kristin Hull, CEO of Nia Capital, who drove support for the petition.
“That is huge in itself. Then the fact that this commitment spans for US as well as international workers is also groundbreaking and should set the trend for the rest of US-based companies.”
