Apple accused of stalling union negotiations with Apple Towson employees
Representatives of the new Apple worker's union at the Towson retail store are publicly expressing concern that Apple may not be bargaining with unionized employees in good faith.
Apple Towson Town Center
Workers at the Towson store successfully unionized in June 2022. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since January, with only two tentative agreements reached after six sessions.
The International Association of Machinists union's negotiator, Jay Wadleigh, has stated that the contract talks with Apple are moving at a sluggish pace.
A union negotiator and Apple Towson worker, Kevin Gallagher, told The Baltimore Banner that Apple's approach felt like a "slap in the face."
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's decision to selectively share contract proposals with its store employees across the country. Additionally, during negotiations, Apple requested that the proceedings be kept private and not extensively publicized or recorded.
Earlier this week, the union posted a Twitter thread stating that Apple had denied several proposals made by the bargaining committee. These proposals included the implementation of a grievance protocol, scheduling procedures, and a seniority system.
Gallagher is concerned that Apple may be employing stalling tactics. He believes that one of the only significant positive developments came in early April when negotiators tentatively agreed to establish a health and safety committee -- a core reason the store organized in the first place.
Apple and the union have also reached agreements regarding addressing topics like pay errors and non-discrimination policies.
The committee is now trying to progress negotiations with Apple, addressing "economic issues," such as pay and severance discussions.
Apple has opposed the unionization of its retail stores and has cited the Towson store incident as a cautionary example.
Read on AppleInsider
Apple Towson Town Center
Workers at the Towson store successfully unionized in June 2022. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since January, with only two tentative agreements reached after six sessions.
The International Association of Machinists union's negotiator, Jay Wadleigh, has stated that the contract talks with Apple are moving at a sluggish pace.
A union negotiator and Apple Towson worker, Kevin Gallagher, told The Baltimore Banner that Apple's approach felt like a "slap in the face."
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's decision to selectively share contract proposals with its store employees across the country. Additionally, during negotiations, Apple requested that the proceedings be kept private and not extensively publicized or recorded.
Earlier this week, the union posted a Twitter thread stating that Apple had denied several proposals made by the bargaining committee. These proposals included the implementation of a grievance protocol, scheduling procedures, and a seniority system.
We hope that this thread has been helpful in understanding what has really been proposed, and we welcome any questions you may have. Stay tuned for future updates regarding our economic proposals and any further developments.
As a final thought...
27/28-- acoreunion (@acoreunion)
Gallagher is concerned that Apple may be employing stalling tactics. He believes that one of the only significant positive developments came in early April when negotiators tentatively agreed to establish a health and safety committee -- a core reason the store organized in the first place.
Apple and the union have also reached agreements regarding addressing topics like pay errors and non-discrimination policies.
The committee is now trying to progress negotiations with Apple, addressing "economic issues," such as pay and severance discussions.
Apple has opposed the unionization of its retail stores and has cited the Towson store incident as a cautionary example.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
You're certainly right in that Apple is free to say no to what the union wants. But to simp for the "corporate sector" being "bullied" by a "class action". WOW what a spicy characterization. You want unions outlawed because those poor corporations don't stand a chance if they give their peasant workers any rights or respect, huh? Poor poor Apple, HOW DARE their workers try to negotiate for better working conditions/benefits/pay.
Honestly F Apple for continuing to be so hostile to their workers and their legally protected union activities.
it’s not an us vs them mentality. It’s what is right vs entitled vampires.
Yes, that may dampen the spreading of retail unions, but it must also be pointed out that this improves worker conditions, which is ostensibly what unions exist to fight for. This may continue happening, thanks in part to the Towson union as it continues to negotiate agreements on things like attendance policies.
The "recycle", "non toxic" agenda of Apple is not compatible with "and we go to war against our own employees". Apple management should stop acting like a bunch of rednecks.
Do they think they are Airline mechanics or steel workers?
They are retail workers that many high school students can replace them.
Apple doesn’t have to agree to their demands. They can strike and be replaced?
why do we have so many stupid people in this country?
They should just go on a strike and watch Apple replace them all in about 2 days
I lived in Japan for a few years for work. Now there is a people and a nation that should be a model for everyone
These Towson people can strike ! And be replaced.
US is #15 on the global list for living standards. 13 of the countries above have strong unions. The US labor market is so dysfunctional that government has to set minimum wages and basic requirements. What you call "benefits" is part of the standard package in other countries, and we are clearly doing better. As a nation you have the right to ask for big government and do worse than other countries but please... be a little bit curious about how other countries are doing this.
Microsoft changed course last year. I will say this for the first time... Apple should be a bit more like Microsoft:
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2022/06/02/employee-organizing-engagement-labor-economy/