Apple to Close First Unionized US Store

Apple plans to close its first unionized U.S. store in Towson, Maryland, by June, a move that workers allege is retaliation for organizing. According to The Guardian, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM Core) filed an unfair labor practice charge against Apple on Monday, claiming the company is denying transfer rights to unionized employees.

Apple has denied these claims, stating that it will continue to abide by the collective bargaining agreement negotiated with the union. The company cited declining conditions at the Towson Town Center mall as the reason for the closure. According to The Guardian, Apple spokesperson said, "Following the departure of several retailers and declining conditions at Trumbull Mall, the Shops at North County, and Towson Town Center, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our stores at these locations."

Nearly 90 workers at the store won their union election in June 2022. Eric Brown, an Apple store employee told The Guardian, "This job is more than a job. This is a family to us." The union has called on Apple to reverse its decision and urged customers to support their effort.

According to Reuters, the union claims that Apple is closing two non-union U.S. stores and allowing those workers to transfer, while employees in Towson must reapply for jobs and compete with external candidates. Brian Bryant, the international president of the IAM union said in a statement, "Apple is denying union-represented workers the same opportunities it is giving to others — and doing so because these workers chose to organize."

The case has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which will investigate the complaint. If a violation is found, the agency can attempt to broker a settlement or file a formal complaint that is heard by an administrative law judge.