Apple employees launched a petition Monday pushing back on the company's return-to-office policy, saying workers have "performed exceptional work" inside and outside traditional office environments.
Apple Together, the group of workers behind the #AppleToo movement, is urging the company to allow each employee to work directly with their manager to determine what kind of work arrangement is best for them. Employees also ask that work arrangements not require "higher level approvals, complex procedures," or the providing of private information.
The petition is a response to CEO Tim Cook's memo last week that tells employees to return to the office at least three days a week beginning Sept. 5. Workers are required to be in the office on Tuesdays, Thursdays and a third day to be determined by their team.
Apple Together organizers wrote in the petition that the policy doesn't consider "the unique demands of each job role nor the diversity of individuals." They added that workers have several reasons and circumstances for wanting flexible work arrangements, from disabilities to "just plain being happier and more productive."
"We believe that Apple should encourage, not prohibit, flexible work to build a more diverse and successful company where we can feel comfortable to 'think different' together," organizers wrote in the petition.
Apple did not immediately return a request for comment. Apple Together organizers are reportedly collecting signatures this week and plan to send the petition to company executives, according to The Guardian. About 100 people had signed the petition as of Monday morning.
Climate TRACE's data show emissions at the facility-level.Image: Climate TRACE