Workers at Another Apple Store Want to Unionize in the U.S.

Image: Apple

Employees at Apple’s Townson Mall retail store near Baltimore, Maryland, are preparing to unionize and plan to file paperwork with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) soon — reports The Washington Post.

Union organizers at the location have already collected signatures from more than 65% of employees who would likely qualify to vote for unionization, coordinating with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

The workers said they plan to unionize as the Coalition of Organized Retail Employees — or AppleCore — and have already notified Apple CEO Tim Cook of their plans to file with the NLRB.

Following whispers of Apple Store workers at several locations across the U.S. considering unionization earlier this year, the Townson Mall store will be the third Apple location to run a unionization campaign.

An Apple store in Atlanta, Georgia, last month became the first U.S. Apple location to file for a union election. Employees at Apple’s flagship Grand Central Terminal retail store in New York City are also preparing to unionize.

AppleCore is seeking to collectively bargain with Apple over coronavirus precautions, pay, and hours, the outlet said. Officials said that while Apple’s revenue has surged as of late, the tech giant has been dragging its feet in increasing pay. Union organizers at Apple’s Grand Central Terminal retail location plan to demand a minimum wage of $30 USD per hour for all employees at the store.

An Apple spokesperson reiterated an earlier statement from the company on unionization efforts in Atlanta and New York.

“We are pleased to offer very strong compensation and benefits for full-time and part-time employees, including health care, tuition reimbursement, new parental leave, paid family leave, annual stock grants and many other benefits,” said a spokesperson.

Last week, Apple reportedly hired anti-union lawyers at Littler Mendelson as its labour battle in the U.S. starts to heat up.

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