AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commissions as an Amazon Associate and Affiliate Partner on eligible purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not affect our edited content.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has certified a union election for more than 100 Apple Store employees in Towson, Maryland.
The union, known as the CORE of Organized Retail Employees, reached a clear majority vote on June 19. The vote was passed 65 to 33.
According to the website of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), this group will become known as IAM-CORE. Official certification will pave the way for Apple management and IAM-CORE members to negotiate their first contract.
“The new members of IAM and IAM-CORE in Towson, Maryland are the powerful first to negotiate with Apple and make positive changes to Apple workers and customers they are proud to serve. We look forward to winning the deal, “said IAM Eastern Region. Vice President of David Sullivan.
“IAM-CORE members feel that the opportunity to bargain collectively with Apple will strengthen the workplace and continue to raise Apple’s position as one of the world’s most innovative companies. IAM-CORE is from the coast. Continue to organize to the beach and work for Apple workers. “
When initially announced, the in-store organizers said they worked on getting support for almost a year. They coordinated with IAM to launch a union in the store.
It is not yet clear what the terms of the deal will be. Organizers at other stores are urging to raise their current starting wages to $ 20 per hour. Since then, Apple has promised to pay $ 22 an hour.
Deirdre O’Brien, head of Apple’s retail division, opposed recent union activity at some of the company’s physical stores in a new video to staff. She said her efforts could slow the progress of the workplace and undermine the relationship between Apple and its employees.
The tech giant was recently accused of violating the National Labor Relations Act and countering the ongoing union movement at Apple Cumberland Mall in Georgia.