Workers at the Apple Store in Towson, Maryland, unionized two years ago, becoming the first Apple retail outlet in the United States. Apple Towson Town Center employees have authorized a strike following “a year of negotiations with Apple management that delivered disappointing outcomes.”
Apple Store employees voted to authorize the strike late Saturday. There is currently no definite date for the strike. The union, affiliated with the International Association of Machinists, states that a “possible work stoppage date will be selected” at some point in the future.
As Bloomberg reports, two Apple Stores in Maryland and Oklahoma voted to unionize in 2022, but neither location has reached a contract with Apple. Also this week, an Apple Store in New Jersey voted against unionization, with the union blaming Apple’s efforts for the loss.
Apple Store employees at the Towson location, just outside Baltimore, say they hope the vote to approve a strike “sends a clear message to Apple.” In response, an Apple spokeswoman underscored the company’s efforts to give employees a “great experience.”
“We cherish our team members and are delighted to offer them industry-leading salaries and great benefits. As always, we will communicate with the union representing our Towson team in a respectful and good-faith manner,” the firm stated.