FOLLOW US

Amar Bhakta, a digital advertising tech and operations manager at Apple, has filed a lawsuit in California state court accusing the tech giant of violating employees’ rights by restricting discussions about compensation, monitoring personal devices, and enforcing overbroad confidentiality agreements. Bhakta alleges these policies suppress legally protected activities, such as discussing workplace conditions and pay disparities, and violate California labor laws.

According to the complaint, Apple prohibits employees from sharing information about their wages or working conditions with coworkers, family, or journalists. Bhakta claims these restrictions allow issues like pay inequity for women and minorities to persist unchecked.

The suit also alleges that Apple requires employees to use personal iPhones for work, granting the company access to private data through installed software or iCloud accounts. Bhakta likened Apple's monitoring practices to a "prison yard," where employees are under constant surveillance.

Further, Bhakta argues that Apple’s equity agreements unlawfully allow the company to reclaim vested stock if employees disclose confidential information. He contends these policies hinder employees from advancing professionally or addressing workplace grievances.

Filed under California's Private Attorneys General Act, the lawsuit seeks penalties, injunctive relief, and coverage of legal costs. Bhakta, represented by attorneys from Outten & Golden LLP and Baker Dolinko & Schwartz PC, hopes the case will prompt Apple to revise its policies and encourage employees to advocate for their rights.

Apple has not yet commented on the allegations.