Standard business conduct policy sparks federal fight over worker mobility rights

Apple faces allegations it barred low-wage workers in Washington from taking second jobs, potentially exposing companies nationwide to similar claims.

Gabriel Fisher, a former Apple employee in Washington, is pursuing a class action lawsuit against the tech giant in federal court. The case, originally filed in King County Superior Court on December 17, 2025, was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on January 20, 2026.

Fisher claims Apple violated Washington state law by preventing workers earning less than twice the minimum wage from holding additional jobs or supplementing their income. The allegations center on Apple's "Business Conduct: The way we do business" guide, which all employees are required to follow as a condition of employment. Fisher claims this guide, along with other written or oral agreements, unlawfully restricted him and other class members from having second jobs, working as independent contractors, or being self-employed.

Washington law has prohibited such restrictions since January 1, 2020. Employers cannot restrict, restrain, or prohibit employees earning less than twice the state minimum wage from pursuing additional employment. The wage threshold adjusts annually. In 2025, workers making less than $33.32 an hour were protected. This year, that threshold rose to $34.26 an hour.

Washington legislators amended the law in 2024 after...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi1AFBVV95cUxPODVIQU9OU09PRFlzeHNUOG55...