Apple Store Union in MD Eyes Strike, Vote Due May 21

Key Takeaway

• Apple's Maryland store union members to vote on strike authorization, with negotiations set for May 21 addressing pay and benefits.
• Union accuses Apple of not bargaining in good faith, amid broader labor movement within the company's retail sector.
• A potential strike could disrupt operations and affect Apple's public image, marking a significant moment in US retail labor actions.

Union Vote Looms

Apple Inc.'s retail store in Towson, Maryland, is on the brink of a significant labor decision. The store's unionized employees are set to vote on Saturday on whether to authorize a strike. This vote comes as a precursor to a new round of contract negotiations with Apple, scheduled for May 21. The Machinists union, representing the workers, has prepared for the possibility of a strike, which could be initiated at any time post-May 11 if the majority supports the action. However, specific dates for a potential strike have not been established.

Negotiation Stance

The negotiations between Apple and the local affiliate of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers are poised to address several key issues. Among the topics of discussion are pay, overtime, unpaid leaves of absence, time-away benefits, and scheduling. The union has communicated to the employees that the tentative agreements reached so far align closely with Apple's existing policies but are seen as significant steps toward achieving their bargaining goals. Despite this, the union accuses Apple of not bargaining in good faith, citing multiple unfair labor practice charges against the company for alleged illegal behavior.

Strike Implications

A strike at the Towson store would not only disrupt the day-to-day operations but could also impact Apple's public image. This action would mark the first known walkout by unionized Apple retail workers in the US, following a similar event in France last year. The union has pledged financial support to the strikers, offering $200 per week after a walkout has lasted at least 14 days, and has assured employees that they cannot be fired for picketing over labor practices.

Broader Labor Movement

In a broader context, the potential strike at the Towson store is part of a larger labor movement within Apple's retail sector. Another Apple store in Short Hills, New Jersey, is concurrently voting on whether to unionize. Additionally, the US National Labor Relations Board recently found that Apple had illegally interrogated staff at its World Trade Center store in New York City, highlighting ongoing tensions between the company and its retail employees over labor rights.

Management Quotes

• Union Representative:

  "No dates have been decided."

• Local Machinists union to Towson store workers:

  "Our tentative agreements will bring remarkable protections to our team and achieve many of our goals going into bargaining. Apple is not bargaining in good faith, and we have multiple unfair labor practice charges against Apple for their illegal behavior."