Apple faces labor relations charge, OSHA investigation over fired employee

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) automatically investigates all complaints it receives, and Gjovik has reportedly filed a case over Apple's firing of her. Should the NLRB investigation support Gjovik's accusation, it will then issue a formal complaint against Apple.

According to Business Insider, Gjovik's filing centers on a charge that Apple used "termination as retaliation."

"Apple can try to rule with an iron fist, but the company is nothing without its employees," Gjovik said to the publication. "They need us. The more we speak up, the more we join together, the more they will have to give, instead of take or threaten."

"I hope my continued fight and the ongoing press coverage around these concerns will force them to do better," she continued. "At the very least, I hope it inspires employees to still speak up."

Separately, Ashley Gjovik has been given approval from Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and California's Department of Fair Employment & Housing to file a private lawsuit against Apple.

Gjovik has also filed an Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) complaint about her office being located on a Superfund site. It too will be investigated.