Wesley Hilliard
Apple's first retail union formed in Towson, Maryland, won a historic victory against Apple thanks to negotiations performed by IAM CORE.
Two years after Apple Towson unionized with IAM CORE representing 85 employees, the union has achieved a significant agreement with Apple. Employees can expect better pay, management transparency, and improvements to scheduling in addition to all previous benefits.
"The historic agreement secured by the courageous IAM CORE members at the Towson Apple store sets a new standard for Apple retail workers nationwide, proving the undeniable power of collective bargaining," said IAM International President Brian Bryant. "The IAM has proven once again that we have the strength to take on some of the biggest companies in the world and win."
The victory will no doubt spur unionization efforts at other Apple Stores across the United States. The agreement will serve as a model for negotiations with Apple elsewhere.
The three-year agreement includes several benefits, which were outlined before the agreement was ratified.
- Scheduling improvements with protections for existing and part-time employees
- An average of 10% in pay raises over the life of the contract and increases in starting pay for 80% of job classifications
- Limits on contracted employees and a severance clause
- A fair and clear disciplinary process with protections and accountability
The IAM CORE, which represents the union, maintains the ability to negotiate for additional benefits. The initial proposal from the union included tips, knowing they'd have to back off some requests.
Apple has been known to employ anti-union tactics by encouraging employees to avoid forming unions. Unionization efforts have failed in New Jersey, Atlanta, and St. Louis.
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5 Comments
I hope this spreads to many more retailers, not just Apple.
I am not a fan of unions. Having said that, Apple horribly abused its retail staff showing no regard whatsoever for their well being when it came to scheduling shifts. I say that as a former Apple retail employee.
But did Apple really abuse their staff? If that was the case, why not leave? Retail is something that's super easy to get a job in as they are available everywhere.
As usual, the union left out details. Just said everything is great, a win, can take on the biggest companies, etc. But where are the details? What protections for existing employees are in place? If an existing employee starts slacking off, can Apple NOT discipline them? Do managers HAVE to have the union rep there whenever a manager wants to talk with an employee which is very common?
No - this isn't a win. This is a loss. A loss to employees who go the extra mile and want to do better of themselves. A loss for people who buy Apple products who now have to cover the costs of two management teams.
I do not like unions (and I have belonged to several). They benefit the union itself much more than the employees, impose rigid rules, and inhibit truly good employees from getting ahead. I will avoid shopping at Apple stores that have unionized.