Apple workers have right to discuss wages and working conditions

Appledelivered a message to employees on Friday that was striking given its reputation for secrecy: a reminder thatworkersmaydiscusswages, hours andworkingconditions.

The notice came as some employeeshavebeen pushingAppleto do more to ensure there are no unfair gaps in pay across the company.

In a post on an internal site,Applesaid its policies do not preclude employees from "speaking freely" aboutworkingconditions, according to a copy of the message viewed by Reuters.

"We encourage any employee with concerns to raise them in the way they feel most comfortable, internally or externally," the post states.

A spokesperson forAppledeclined to comment.

Apple's business conduct policy already included language stating thatworkerswere not restricted in their ability todiscusswages, hours andworkingconditions, which is generally protected under US law.

But employees whohavespoken out in recent monthshavefaced resistance, said formerAppleprogram manager Janneke Parrish.

Parrish, who was fired after playing a leading role in employee activism, said she is hopeful thatApple's message will ease the path for others.

"The first step is making sure people are aware of theirrights," she said.

Applehas previously said it does notdiscussspecific employee matters and is "deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace."

The move comes amid a broader push by Silicon Valleyworkersto speak out about theirworkingconditionsand the impact of technology on society.

Earlier this week, another prominent activist,Applesoftware engineer Cher Scarlett, wrote on Twitter that she is leaving the company.

Scarlett filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging thatApplehalteddiscussions of pay among employees. Her lawyer, Aleksandr Felstiner, said the matter had been settled and the charge would be withdrawn. Scarlett said she could not comment.

Scarlett and Parrish worked together on "#AppleToo," a group through which current and former employeeshavebeen sharing stories of what they call harassment and discrimination.

Appleis known for its secretive culture, intended to keep details of new products under wraps. Employees sometimes are unaware of theirrightto speak about topics such as pay andworkingconditions, Parrish said.

Ashley Gjovik, a senior engineering program manager who was fired byApplein September after raising concerns about harassment and workplace safety, has filed NLRB charges in which she alleges thatApplepolicies violate the National Labor Relations Act.