After the rise of the #MeToo movement, it comes as no surprise that millions of people felt like they were finally able to come forward and discuss topics that were previously swept under the rug. Whether it be sexual harassment, assault, discrimination or inequality, the conversation has constantly been gaining momentum. Companies like Google have also faced similar complaints, possibly shedding light on the notoriety of big companies that are perceived to be the most well-reputed employers.

The newest addition to this movement now comes from technology company Apple, which is facing backlash from a group of employees who have taken their stories to public platforms under the banner of #AppleToo to raise awareness of the problems that Apple has not addressed. The stories first shared on social media are now appearing on the site, shining a light on the dark side of the tech giant.

The series of events

The #AppleToo movement was first sparked by a lack of action and consideration by the company for employees who came forward with their experiences and concerns. Apple employee Cher Scarlett then put out a salary transparency form to gather credible data on pay gaps and inequality at the company. Scarlett claimed that the ‘the last straw’ was when Apple denied employees’ request to create a Slack channel to discuss pay equity.

While this was only the first step of the process, employees started to criticise the move for ‘violating company protocol, betraying the company and causing security breaches’. In August, the organisers then launched their #AppleToo website, alongside a matching channel on Discord for employees to join. Since, the group has received over 500 stories, all regarding different problems in the workplace. Now, the group has written an open letter to CEO Tim Cook and the senior leadership team, calling for action and accountability. It highlights the company’s promises, such as inclusion, diversity, and equity. In a nutshell, the group is requesting an ‘increased separation between Apple-owned and worker-owned digital and physical property in all Apple policies’.

About the #AppleToo platform

Apple’s workers have created their own website where the public can read about their mission and how to get in contact with the team if they have a story to share. From saying that they have ‘exhausted all internal avenues’ to encouraging others to join the conversation and help put Apple under scrutiny, the #AppleToo website is comprehensive in providing other workers with a safe and accessible platform through which they can contribute to the movement.

Of course, it is run on a largely anonymous basis to protect the identity not only of those who come forward, but also those that were courageous enough to put the organisation into effect.

Apple’s response

In response to the workers’ claims, Apple said:

‘We are and have always been deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace. We take all concerns seriously and we thoroughly investigate whenever a concern is raised and, out of respect for the privacy of any individuals involved, we do not discuss specific employee matters.’

Whilst this is the official company statement, one of the only public founders of the group (Cher Scarlett) has been receiving online harassment and threats from her peers. Through the Apple channel on Blind, Scarlett’s co-workers have been criticising her for ruining the culture of the company. The National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) is currently also investigating these claims but has made no official comment yet. Apple is yet to respond to the five accounts that were released on Monday, describing the experiences of different employees and the problems they faced.

Could this have wider implications?

Although Apple would not be the first company to be facing such claims, it does perhaps set an example for other Fortune 500 companies to look more deeply into such problems within themselves and set up a rock-solid protection policy for employees. Apple must be sensitive yet swift in responding to the #AppleToo allegations as more and more people come forward to back the group.

The very fact that a huge, prestigious company like Apple can face public backlash from its own employees should send a warning sign to other companies that employees could soon take the reins and criticise their seniors for their lack of action in regard to harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

If it is found that such a technology giant does have such issues present in its professional sphere, there is indeed a clear indication that on both a legal and social front company policies need change.

About the Author: Nandini Mehta

Nandini Mehta is a contributing Features Writer focusing on the development of technology and business practices around the world. Nandini has an in-depth knowledge of politics and international relations, and so writes pieces that utilise her interest for current affairs.