Towson Apple Store Strike Possible, Vote On 1st Step Is This Weekend: Union

TOWSON, MD — The unionized Towson Apple Store employees are considering a potential strike if negotiations later generate an unsatisfactory contract offer.

The union members will vote Saturday on a strike sanction vote. That doesn't mean the workers will immediately go on strike.

It is, however, the first step toward striking if the union receives an unsatisfactory contract offer from Apple. If the strike sanction vote passes and the union later rejects Apple's "Last, Best, and Final" contract offer, the employees can then vote on a strike authorization.

The workers would only go on strike if they approve the strike sanction vote Saturday, later reject Apple's final contract offer and then approve the strike authorization vote by a two-thirds majority. If the strike authorization vote doesn't hit the two-thirds majority, Apple's final offer would be accepted. The process is explained here.

The upcoming strike sanction vote was announced Wednesday by the store's union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Coalition of Organized Retail Employees, also known as IAM CORE.

The union said the potential strike comes after more than a year of negotiations with Apple management.

The union listed its concerns as "work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices that disrupt personal lives, and wages that do not reflect the cost of living in the area."

"Despite persistent efforts to engage in constructive and meaningful dialogue, Apple has unfortunately not addressed our core concerns," IAM District 4 Directing Business Representative Jay Wadleigh said in a press release. "This strike sanction vote sends a strong message that the workers want Apple to recognize the need for an equitable and respectful work environment for all its employees. IAM CORE remains committed to fostering a democratic and fair workplace for all Apple workers. We believe this vote presents a crucial opportunity for employees to have their voices heard."

The union represents about 100 workers at the Towson Town Center Apple Store.

The Towson store employees voted to join the union on June 18, 2022. They became the first unionized Apple Store in the U.S.

Contract negotiations began in January 2023.

The union has alleged that its members were excluded from new medical and educational benefits offered to other Apple employees. That led to a complaint from the National Labor Relations Board in November 2023.

Patch contacted Apple for comment. The company has not yet replied. We will update this story if Apple responds.