American Apparel Media Policy Causes a Stir

Four American Apparel employees filed complaints with the NLRB alleging that the company’s newly implemented media policy prevented employees from making statements to the media about American Apparel. Days after the complaints were filed, American Apparel’s general counsel sent an email to the four employees stating that the media policy only prohibits employees from expressing views to the media about the company’s position on issues. The general counsel further clarified that employees can express their views on American Apparel to the media.

These complaints come on the heels of American Apparel terminating its founder and former CEO Dov Charney for cause. The NLRB complaints were filed by the same attorney representing Charney as he seeks $40 million in damages related to his termination. American Apparel is also the subject of an inquiry from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which is investigating matters related to Charney. This multi-prong attack on American Apparel appears to be the beginning of a union-led corporate campaign. I’m sure we’ll hear about more allegations levied against the clothing company in the coming months.

Matt Austin is a lawyer based in the Columbus, Ohio office of Roetzel & Andress, LPA who limits his practice to representing employers dealing with labor, employment, and OSHA matters. You can call Matt at (614) 723-2010 or email him at maustin@ralaw.com.