Darryl Boxberger
Fruit Stand Workers United, the union organization of Apple Store employees, will be supported in its unionization efforts by the Communications Workers of America for efforts in Apple Grand Central.
Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced on Thursday that it will help the employees in the location to form a union. In a press release, by CWA noted that Fruit Stand Workers United (FSWU) had originally asked the group that is assisting Starbucks workers — Workers United — for support.
"Starbucks workers who have been organizing - and winning - union representation across the country with Workers United's support have inspired retail workers at Apple, Verizon Wireless, and many other companies," Chris Shelton, President of CWA, said in a statement. "We appreciate the confidence that the Fruit Stand Workers United organizing committee has in our plan to build worker power at Apple."
The Apple Store workers' unionization group has also responded to the news.
"Through Workers United, we have learned what we can expect from Littler, and we are prepared," Anthony Viola, one of the members of the organizing committee of FSWU, said in a statement. "By joining forces with CWA, we intend to participate with countless other stores to achieve workers' rights across Apple Retail in the U.S. and we believe we will succeed."
Unionization efforts have been steadily happening in Apple Stores across the country. In April and May of 2022, stores in New York, Atlanta, and Louisville were among a number of locations organizing a union.
Apple corporate managers have been steadily hitting back at those efforts. Reports circulated that tactics aimed at halting the movements were used at Apple Store locations, with anti-union talking points circulated to its managers.
Apple's retail chief, Deirdre O'Brien, has stated that unions could potentially harm the relationship between Apple and its employees.
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6 Comments
I'm a member of NABET, which is associated with CWA.
Not too bad as unions go...
Fruit Stand Workers United...heh heh.
After Apple hired the anti-union juggernaut, I was waiting for Apple workers to gain support. CWA assisting will make the fight to unionize a fairer contest.
I have always wondered if the unions were waiting to be contacted by employees or if the unions decided to agitate and promise employees anything in attempts to get in on Apple’s money. This second union seems to have decided on its own to join the first union to convince employees to unionize. To me, this is an aggressive move. Anything Apple does to dissuade employees from unionizing, the unions will immediately cry foul to the US government in attempts to intimidate Apple. Can aggressive tactics by unions be challenged in court? I cheered Starbucks for closing a store where employees voted to unionize. Did the unions take care of the ex-employees financially or did the employees lose their union benefits and file for government assistance?
I’m curious if Apple treats it’s unionized entertainment and transportation partners the same way. Seems a bit of a disconnect.