September 9 2021 - Ashley Gjovik/Apple Termination
Termination transcript
TEN MINUTES LATER
Subject: [No Subject]
On Sep 9, 2021, at 2:08 PM, Aleks [REDACTED] wrote:
Hi Ashley,
This is Aleks [REDACTED] from Employee Relations. We’re looking into a sensitive Intellectual Property matter that we would like to speak with you about. We would like to connect with you at as soon as possible today; within this hour, and you should see an iCal come through shortly. We sincerely appreciate you prioritizing this call and being flexible. If you absolutely cannot make this time, please propose a few other times for us to connect today. I wanted to send this introductory email so you know who I am when I set it up. I can share more details when we meet.
As part of Apple’s policy, your cooperation and participation is imperative. Thank you in advance, and talk soon.
Best,
Aleks [REDACTED]
Employee Relations
AMR Threat Assessment & Workplace Violence (TAT) Apple
On Sep 9, 2021, at 2:10 PM, Ashley Gjovik [REDACTED] wrote:
Hi Aleks! Happy to help! Please send any questions / updates via email so we keep everything written please. I will respond via email as quickly as I can. Thanks!
Subject: [No Subject]
On Sep 9, 2021, at 2:08 PM, Aleks [REDACTED] wrote:
Hi Ashley,
This is Aleks [REDACTED] from Employee Relations. We’re looking into a sensitive Intellectual Property matter that we would like to speak with you about. We would like to connect with you at as soon as possible today; within this hour, and you should see an iCal come through shortly. We sincerely appreciate you prioritizing this call and being flexible. If you absolutely cannot make this time, please propose a few other times for us to connect today. I wanted to send this introductory email so you know who I am when I set it up. I can share more details when we meet.
As part of Apple’s policy, your cooperation and participation is imperative. Thank you in advance, and talk soon.
Best,
Aleks [REDACTED]
Employee Relations
AMR Threat Assessment & Workplace Violence (TAT) Apple
On Sep 9, 2021, at 2:10 PM, Ashley Gjovik [REDACTED] wrote:
Hi Aleks! Happy to help! Please send any questions / updates via email so we keep everything written please. I will respond via email as quickly as I can. Thanks!
On Sep 9, 2021, at 2:27 PM, Ashley Gjovik [REDACTED] wrote:
FYI, I forwarded your email & my reply to the investigator on my NLRB case so he’s aware you just reached out to me the day before my Affidavit is supposed to be taken.
This feels a little like witness intimidation, etc...
FYI, I forwarded your email & my reply to the investigator on my NLRB case so he’s aware you just reached out to me the day before my Affidavit is supposed to be taken.
This feels a little like witness intimidation, etc...
On Sep 9, 2021, at 2:50 PM, Aleks [REDACTED] wrote:
We are investigating allegations that you improperly disclosed Apple confidential information. Since you have chosen not to participate in the discussion, we will move forward with the information that we have, and given the seriousness of these allegations, we are suspending your access to Apple systems.
Best,
Aleks [REDACTED]
Employee Relations
AMR Threat Assessment & Workplace Violence (TAT) Apple
On Sep 9, 2021, at 3:07 PM, Ashley Gjovik [REDACTED] wrote:
Hi Aleks,
As mentioned, I’m definitely willing to participate in your investigation. I only asked that the discussion be kept to email — I said nothing about not participating in the discussion at all.
I offered to help via email to ensure we have a documented recored of our conversations considering everything that’s currently going on with my investigation and my complaints to the government.
I have been speaking out about work conditions, about workplace safety, concerns about discrimination & retaliation, and about concerns about intimidation and corruption (as reported to the government in public record).
I’m very concerned about what you are calling “serious allegations.” Can you please provide me additional detail on what these allegations are? And when you say move forward, are you simply suspecting my access to Apple system? Or are you doing something more — and if so what?
Your email is very unexpected and I’m caught quite off guard if this is a real issue. I’d like the opportunity to remedy any actual issues. Please let me know what the issues are so I can make a good faith attempt at that.
In the meantime, without any additional context or effort to communicate with me in email, this really does feel like intimidation and additional retaliation and I will consider it as such.
Best,
-Ashley
We are investigating allegations that you improperly disclosed Apple confidential information. Since you have chosen not to participate in the discussion, we will move forward with the information that we have, and given the seriousness of these allegations, we are suspending your access to Apple systems.
Best,
Aleks [REDACTED]
Employee Relations
AMR Threat Assessment & Workplace Violence (TAT) Apple
On Sep 9, 2021, at 3:07 PM, Ashley Gjovik [REDACTED] wrote:
Hi Aleks,
As mentioned, I’m definitely willing to participate in your investigation. I only asked that the discussion be kept to email — I said nothing about not participating in the discussion at all.
I offered to help via email to ensure we have a documented recored of our conversations considering everything that’s currently going on with my investigation and my complaints to the government.
I have been speaking out about work conditions, about workplace safety, concerns about discrimination & retaliation, and about concerns about intimidation and corruption (as reported to the government in public record).
I’m very concerned about what you are calling “serious allegations.” Can you please provide me additional detail on what these allegations are? And when you say move forward, are you simply suspecting my access to Apple system? Or are you doing something more — and if so what?
Your email is very unexpected and I’m caught quite off guard if this is a real issue. I’d like the opportunity to remedy any actual issues. Please let me know what the issues are so I can make a good faith attempt at that.
In the meantime, without any additional context or effort to communicate with me in email, this really does feel like intimidation and additional retaliation and I will consider it as such.
Best,
-Ashley
Date: September 9, 2021 at 6:54 PM
Subject: Employment Status
To: Ashley Gjovik [REDACTED]
From: [REDACTED] My VP
Cc: [REDACTED] HR
Hi Ashley,
Please see attached.
ATTACHMENT:
Date: September 9,2021
To: Ashley Gjovik
From: [REDACTED] VP
cc: Personnel file
via Email [REDACTED]
via FedEx [REDACTED]
Re: Termination of employment
Employee ID: [REDACTED]
Apple has determined that you have engaged in conduct that warrants termination of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of Apple policies. You disclosed confidential product-related information in violation of Apple policies and your obligations under the Intellectual Property Agreement (IPA). We also found that you failed to cooperate and to provide accurate and complete information during the Apple investigatory process.
Your access to Apple systems has been suspended as of today and your employment will terminate on September 10, 2021. You will receive your final pay which will include regular pay through your termination date, all accrued unused vacation pay and any ESPP contributions made in the current period.
Although your pay and most of your benefits will end on your last day of employment, you may have the option of continuing some of your benefit plans, including your current health care coverage. Information about your benefits continuation options will be mailed to your home approximately two weeks after your termination date. In addition, within 30 days of your termination date, you will receive a separate COBRA packet explaining your options for continuing healthcare coverage. Contact Apple’s People Support at [REDACTED] if your address has or will change.
If you have information that indicates the decision to terminate your employment was not made in accordance with Apple policy or if you have new information that you believe would alter this decision, you may request a review per Apple’s Decision Review policy. Your request for a Decision Review must be received within two months of your termination date. To request a Decision Review or get more information about the process, contact People Support at [REDACTED] .
As a reminder, your obligations under the IPA continue even after your employment with Apple ends. This includes, but is not limited, the obligation to not disclose Apple’s confidential or proprietary information such as unreleased product information, new product schedules, budgets, marketing plans, organization charts, customer lists, personnel information, vendor contacts, etc. If you need a copy of your signed IPA please contact People Support at [REDACTED]
You are also obligated to return to Apple all Apple owned equipment and devices. You will receive a pre-paid FedEx box to ensure the prompt return of Apple devices. If you need assistance, please contact Aleks [REDACTED] at [REDACTED]
Subject: Employment Status
To: Ashley Gjovik [REDACTED]
From: [REDACTED] My VP
Cc: [REDACTED] HR
Hi Ashley,
Please see attached.
ATTACHMENT:
Date: September 9,2021
To: Ashley Gjovik
From: [REDACTED] VP
cc: Personnel file
via Email [REDACTED]
via FedEx [REDACTED]
Re: Termination of employment
Employee ID: [REDACTED]
Apple has determined that you have engaged in conduct that warrants termination of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of Apple policies. You disclosed confidential product-related information in violation of Apple policies and your obligations under the Intellectual Property Agreement (IPA). We also found that you failed to cooperate and to provide accurate and complete information during the Apple investigatory process.
Your access to Apple systems has been suspended as of today and your employment will terminate on September 10, 2021. You will receive your final pay which will include regular pay through your termination date, all accrued unused vacation pay and any ESPP contributions made in the current period.
Although your pay and most of your benefits will end on your last day of employment, you may have the option of continuing some of your benefit plans, including your current health care coverage. Information about your benefits continuation options will be mailed to your home approximately two weeks after your termination date. In addition, within 30 days of your termination date, you will receive a separate COBRA packet explaining your options for continuing healthcare coverage. Contact Apple’s People Support at [REDACTED] if your address has or will change.
If you have information that indicates the decision to terminate your employment was not made in accordance with Apple policy or if you have new information that you believe would alter this decision, you may request a review per Apple’s Decision Review policy. Your request for a Decision Review must be received within two months of your termination date. To request a Decision Review or get more information about the process, contact People Support at [REDACTED] .
As a reminder, your obligations under the IPA continue even after your employment with Apple ends. This includes, but is not limited, the obligation to not disclose Apple’s confidential or proprietary information such as unreleased product information, new product schedules, budgets, marketing plans, organization charts, customer lists, personnel information, vendor contacts, etc. If you need a copy of your signed IPA please contact People Support at [REDACTED]
You are also obligated to return to Apple all Apple owned equipment and devices. You will receive a pre-paid FedEx box to ensure the prompt return of Apple devices. If you need assistance, please contact Aleks [REDACTED] at [REDACTED]
On Sep 13, 2021, at 9:45 AM, [REDACTED] VP's Admin wrote:
Hello Ashley,
Could you please verify your shipping address so that I can send out boxes and a return label for your Apple equipment.
Kind regards, [REDACTED] VP's Admin
Hello Ashley,
Could you please verify your shipping address so that I can send out boxes and a return label for your Apple equipment.
Kind regards, [REDACTED] VP's Admin
Gizmodo: "Apple Fires Program Manager Who Accused Bosses of Harassment, Intimidation," Sept 9 2021
Gizmodo: "Apple Wanted Her Fired. It Settled on an Absurd Excuse," Oct 14 2021
Gizmodo: "Apple Wanted Her Fired. It Settled on an Absurd Excuse," Oct 14 2021
