Union claims Apple broke federal labor law at World Trade Center store

For the second time in less than a week, Apple has been accused of illegal union-busting tactics, but this time in one of its New York City stores.

The complaint, this time in New York, follows the Communications Workers of America's (CWA) recent similar filing over Apple's actions at the Cumberland Mall store in Atlanta.

According to Bloomberg, Tim Dubnau of the CWA declined to say whether the union is aiming to formally represent Apple's NYC workers, but did say the union was filing the complaint because it had been contacted by them.

"When we learn about Apple violating the law, we try our best to defend workers' rights," the CWA deputy organizing director said. "It's time for them to just back off and allow workers to choose for themselves whether or not they want a union."

The CWA's complaint centers on how the Apple Store allegedly required employees to attend anti-union meetings. The National Labor Relations Board has previously allowed this, but current general counsel Jennifer Abruzzo wants to end what she calls coercive and illegal "captive audience" sessions.

"I understand that the argument is that, 'We've been doing this for a long time,'" Abruzzo has recently said. "But that doesn't mean it's right. It doesn't mean it's lawful."

Apple declined to comment specifically on the New York complaint, but told Bloomberg that it deeply values its retail employees.

"We are pleased to offer very strong compensation and benefits for full time and part time employees," Apple told the publication, "including health care, tuition reimbursement, new parental leave, paid family leave, annual stock grants and many other benefits."

Atlanta staff are due to vote on joining the CWA on June 2, 2022. Maryland Apple Store employees are petitioning to instead join the International Association of Machinists, while Apple Grand Central employees are working with the Service Employees International Union.