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Union: Apple Punishes First Unionized Store Employees
28 Apr
Summary
- Apple is closing its first unionized retail store in Maryland.
- A union alleges Apple is retaliating against employees for unionizing.
- Unionized workers are denied transfer opportunities given to others.
Apple has announced the closure of its retail store in Towson, Maryland, which was the company's first to unionize. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Apple is discriminating against employees at this store due to their union membership.
The union contends that while Apple is also closing two non-union stores and allowing those employees to transfer, the Towson store workers must reapply for jobs and compete with external candidates. IAM president Brian Bryant stated that Apple is denying union-represented workers the same opportunities afforded to others, specifically because they chose to organize.
Apple cited deteriorating conditions at the Towson Town Center mall as the reason for the store's closure. However, the company stated that its bargaining agreement with the union requires first refusal rights for jobs if a new store opens within 50 miles. Otherwise, the agreement only mandates severance pay upon closure.
This dispute is part of a broader trend of unionization campaigns at Apple retail locations across the U.S. The Towson store and one in Oklahoma City are the only two Apple locations that have unionized. The company has faced numerous labor board complaints alleging interference with union activities and workers' rights.
