William Gallagher
Following multiple accounts of Apple's union-busting efforts, AppleTogether campaigners are considering a class action lawsuit, and are asking Apple Store staff to report incidents.
Apple has continued to press against unionization in its stores, despite complaints about illegal union-busting efforts. Now the organizers of the AppleTogether group, which previously staged walkouts, says it has a class action suit "in the works."
Are you experiencing union-busting in your Apple store?
— AppleTogether (@AppleLaborers) November 28, 2022
Aggressive, anti-union talk during your daily downloads?
Pulled aside and intimidated about organizing?If so, fill out this anonymous survey and let us know.
A class action lawsuit is in the works.https://t.co/ume2c8C9ML
The tweet links to Google Doc that contains a basic contact form. "If you think you have experienced unlawful union busting at Apple fill out this form and an organizer will follow up with you," it says. It's an anonymous survey form.
"This could include a supervisor asking you about your support for unionization," continues the document, "[a] supervisor telling you unionizing is futile or certain things cannot be changed; supervisors suddenly popping up in breakrooms or in side by sides, after union efforts have begun; downloads or sidebysides in which the supervisor talks about unionization but doesn't get your permission first; and many other things. "
The document also directs workers to Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, which means employers are not allowed "to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees."
Apple has already received at least one complaint against the National Labor Relations Board.
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
3 Comments
The workers can unionize if they wish, but they are seriously misguided in doing so. It will lead to fewer jobs and more restrictions. That may not have been the case with the meat packing plant 50 years ago, or the copper mine 100 years ago. But it's the case now. Apple will not tolerate stores that fall under certain profit margins and sales figures. They will be reorganized or even closed.
Edit: As for union busting, they are going to have a tough plow in portraying "asking about support for a union" and "Apple making anti-union comments in meetings" as coercion. Apple is allowed to share its point of view. That is, unless there is real pressure being applied in violation of the law.
On a personal note, I wonder if there is any more annoying group than "Apple Together."
My favorite union organization action to date is a demonstration outside a NYC Starbucks Roastery in Chelsea where the display tables were cheekily filled with prominent displays of competitors products, namely Dunkin coffee and baked goods. The precious element? Dunkin is NOT unionized.
homework people, do your homework.