Towson Apple Store Strike: Union Votes For 1st Step Toward Work Stoppage

TOWSON, MD — Employees at the Towson Apple Store this weekend took the first step toward possibly going on strike if they later receive an unsatisfactory contract offer.

The workers are frustrated with contract negotiations since they became the first Apple Store to unionize nearly two years ago. The union said the potential strike comes after more than a year of negotiations with Apple management.

The store staff is represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Coalition of Organized Retail Employees, also known as IAM CORE.

IAM CORE said its concerns are "work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices disrupting personal lives, and wages failing to align with the area’s cost of living."

Union members said they on Saturday "overwhelmingly voted in favor" of a strike sanction vote. This essentially threatens Apple with a full strike vote if employees reject the company's final contract offer.

"This vote today is the first step in demonstrating our solidarity and sends a clear message to Apple," members of the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee said in a Saturday press release. "The passage of the strike sanction vote highlights IAM CORE’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of workers in the face of challenges. As discussions with Apple management continue, we remain committed to securing tangible improvements that benefit all employees."

The union will determine a potential work stoppage date, but several things must happen for a possible strike to begin.

Saturday's strike sanction vote was the first step toward striking if the union receives an unsatisfactory contract offer from Apple. If the union 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 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.

"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 May 8 press release announcing the strike sanction vote. "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. 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.

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