Apple Workers at Maryland Store Vote to Strike
Workers at an Apple store in Towson, Md. have authorized a strike, although a date has not yet been set for the action.
The store was the first Apple location to unionize back in 2022 with more than 100 employees now represented by The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE). Now, after what IAM CORE described as over a year of negotiations, members have voted in favor of a strike amid frustration over “unresolved work issues.” Among the core issues at stake, according to IAM CORE, are work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices and wages that don’t align with the area’s cost of living.
“This vote today is the first step in demonstrating our solidarity and sends a clear message to Apple,” said members of the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee in a statement. “As discussions with Apple management continue, we remain committed to securing tangible improvements that benefit all employees.”
In response, Apple said in a statement to CNN that it will “engage with the union representing our team in Towson respectfully and in good faith,” adding: “At Apple we work hard to provide an excellent experience for our retail team members and empower them to deliver exceptional service for our customers. We deeply value our team members, and we’re proud to provide them with industry leading compensation and exceptional benefits.”
The planned strike at Apple continues an ongoing wave of workplace activism that has sprung up in the wake of COVID-19. Other retailers that have faced unionization and strike actions recently include Patagonia, Starbucks, Amazon, Costco, Barnes & Noble and Trader Joe’s.
It’s been a rough month for Apple: In addition to this latest news out of Maryland, the company also found itself facing the ire of the internet after releasing a new iPad ad that demonstrated the thinness of the latest iPad Pro by crushing a range of creative tools including a piano, record player, paint and a sculpture. Apple has since apologized for the gaffe.
