Apple is facing multiple challenges in 2022, including regulatory scrutiny in Washington, slow sales in China, and competition in AI. In addition to these challenges, Apple is also dealing with labor unrest among its store workers. The first union was formed at one of Apple’s US stores in Towson, Maryland in 2023, and workers are currently in contract negotiations with management with the possibility of a strike looming. Labor challenges are also present in other locations in the US, with union elections taking place in New Jersey and allegations of union-busting tactics in New York City.
The labor wave hitting Apple retail stores mirrors the mass organizing efforts seen at other prominent companies in the US, such as Starbucks and Amazon. The tight labor market following the Covid-19 pandemic has brought attention to labor conditions and inequalities faced by front-facing workers at stores and warehouses. This growing frustration among workers and increasing labor activity has the potential to inspire others to stand up for their rights and pursue unionization efforts.
Workers at two Apple store locations, Towson, Maryland and Oklahoma City, have already voted to unionize. The union vote in New Jersey, along with other efforts across the country, may signal the beginning of increased labor activism within the company. As a high-profile company, Apple’s labor challenges could serve as a catalyst for similar movements among workers at other companies. Apple has stated that it values its team members and is committed to engaging respectfully with the union representing its employees.
The ongoing negotiations between Apple and the workers in Maryland have highlighted core issues such as work-life balance, scheduling practices, and wages. The workers are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM COTE), and their strike sanction vote is a signal to Apple to recognize the need for a fair and respectful work environment for all employees. The store is also facing complaints regarding disparities in benefits provided to unionized and non-union employees.
Corporate profits in major companies like Apple have continued to rise, while worker wages and benefits have stagnated, prompting anger and frustration among employees. Organizing efforts are driven by the desire to address this gap and improve working conditions. Apple, like other large companies, has faced allegations of unlawful behavior in response to union activities, with the National Labor Relations Board ruling against Apple in a union drive in New York City. Despite crackdowns on union activities, workers in various locations are continuing to pursue unionization efforts.
Labor actions extend beyond Apple’s retail stores to its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where a complaint alleging illegal treatment of an employee for engaging in protected concerted activity is pending. The mass layoffs impacting workers in the tech industry, traditionally viewed as prestigious and secure, have also fueled organizing efforts. Apple denies the claims of unfair labor practices and remains committed to providing the full set of facts to the NLRB. Despite the challenges and unrest facing Apple, the ongoing labor movements within the company signal a shift towards increased worker empowerment and rights in the tech industry.
