Apple Exec Addresses Employee Concerns Regarding Pay Inequality

Apple’s head of people, Deirdre O’Brien, has reportedly addressed employees regarding their concerns about pay inequality.

In a video shared with Apple employees, Apple’s retail and people chief Deirdre O’Brien advised employees who are experiencing problems in the workplace to talk to their managers and superiors, reads a new report from MacRumors. She also noted that for cases of harassment and discrimination, Apple has a “confidential process requiring thorough investigation with respect and dignity for all.”

Pay inequality is a hot topic within Apple right now, with the company said to be shutting down pay surveys set up by employees. Now, O’Brien has told employees to report any pay issues to their manager via a new video shared with teams before Labor Day:

Now, I want you to hear this directly from me. First, if you ever have a concern about your pay at Apple, please talk to your manager or your people business partner. And second, if you ever want to report a concern about your work environment, please come and talk to us, please. And know that we have a confidential process to thoroughly investigate in a way that treats everyone with dignity and respect.

Some Apple employees, however, have already pointed out that speaking to their manager is an approach that hasn’t necessarily worked, with some simply saying that pay rates are “within range,” leaving employees with little concrete information from which to work.

While the AppleToo campaign — one that is designed to collect issues raised by current and former Apple employees — is not mentioned by name, O’Brien did reportedly go on to say that the company is “deeply committed” to ensuring people are paid according to industry standards:

We use industry-standard methodology, and we have a dedicated team of experts that runs a comprehensive process to monitor and maintain pay equity. And we partner with an independent third party that analyzes our compensation each year. If this work identifies a gap, we close it. And our approach is considered best in class.

O’Brien notes that within the United States, Apple has already “achieved pay equity,” but caveats by saying that it is still an “ongoing effort.”