Mozilla has agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) case, which claimed the company illegally refused to hire former Apple software engineer Cher Scarlett due to her workplace activism. The settlement, which was approved by an NLRB regional director on Monday, also included an agreement between Mozilla and Scarlett. Mozilla denied any wrongdoing.
The NLRB filed a complaint against Mozilla in August, alleging that Scarlett was passed over for a senior engineering position in 2021 shortly after leaving Apple. The case also accuses Apple of forcing Scarlett to quit after she posted an online survey allowing employees to anonymously share salary and demographic information. Apple has denied these allegations.
Laurie Burgess, Scarlett’s attorney, stated that the settlement not only upholds Scarlett’s right to justice but also sets a significant precedent. It sends a strong message to employers about the protection of job applicants’ rights to engage in protected activities without the fear of retaliation.
In a separate NLRB case, Apple is also accused of interfering with employees’ efforts to discuss pay equity and financial incentives. A hearing regarding Scarlett’s claims is scheduled for June.
The case is Mozilla Corp, National Labor Relations Board, No. 32-CA-290382.
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