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Apple Store Union Busting Allegations Mount
10 Apr
Summary
- Apple is closing its unionized Towson, Maryland store in June.
- The union claims the closure is a deliberate attempt to bust the union.
- Employees are eligible to apply for other roles but not offered transfers.
Apple Inc. is permanently closing its retail store located at Towson Town Center mall in June. This closure comes after the store became a focal point for a rare unionization effort by the iPhone maker's employees. Apple stated that declining conditions at the mall, including the departure of several retailers, led to this difficult decision.
Employees were informed of the closure on Thursday morning. While Apple asserts that the affected Towson employees are eligible to apply for open roles elsewhere, they are not being offered transfers to nearby locations, a contrast to workers at two other stores closing in June. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, representing the Towson employees, condemned the closure as union busting, calling Apple's claims about the collective bargaining agreement false and questioning the company's motives.
The union indicated it is exploring all legal options and will collaborate with officials and allies to hold Apple accountable. The company's other unionized location in Oklahoma City remains operational. Apple rarely closes retail stores, typically doing so due to factors like declining foot traffic or strategic relocation.
