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It\u2019s been a busy weekend for union organizing efforts at U.S. Apple stores, with the union at one store voting to authorize a strike, while workers at another store voted against forming a union.<\/p>\n
Back in 2022, workers in Towson, Maryland became the first formally recognized union at an Apple retail store<\/a>. That union, which is part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, voted Saturday to authorize a strike<\/a>. The date of this potential strike has yet to be determined.<\/p>\n \u201cThis vote today is the first step in demonstrating our solidarity and sends a clear message to Apple,\u201d said the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee in a statement. \u201cThe passage of the strike sanction vote highlights IAM CORE\u2019s unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of workers in the face of challenges. As discussions with Apple management continue, we remain committed to securing tangible improvements that benefit all employees.\u201d<\/p>\n The union says it has been negotiating with Apple since January 2023 over issues including work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling, and wages.<\/p>\n \u201cWe deeply value our team members and we\u2019re proud to provide them with industry leading compensation and exceptional benefits,\u201d an Apple spokesperson told Bloomberg<\/a>. \u201cAs always, we will engage with the union representing our team in Towson respectfully and in good faith.\u201d<\/p>\n Bloomberg also reported that a vote to unionize a Short Hills, New Jersey store with the Communication Workers of America has failed. Before the vote, the CWA filed an unfair labor practice charge<\/a> against Apple for allegedly retaliating against one of the organizers at the store by scheduling \u201cunprecedented multiple meetings with his supervisor and denying requests for leave.\u201d<\/p>\n Earlier this week, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that Apple violated federal labor laws<\/a> in 2022 by confiscating union flyers and interrogating staff about unionizing efforts at the Apple store in New York\u2019s World Trade Center.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n