Towson Apple Store Won't Strike, Union Agrees To 'Historic' Deal

TOWSON, MD — Unionized Towson Apple Store employees on Tuesday ratified their first labor agreement with the tech company and avoided a strike.

The Towson Apple Store was the business's first U.S. location to unionize. Now, it's the nation's first to finalize a labor contract with Apple.

The three-year deal was ratified "overwhelmingly" by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Coalition of Organized Retail Employees.

“The historic agreement secured by the courageous IAM CORE members at the Towson Apple store sets a new standard for Apple retail workers nationwide, proving the undeniable power of collective bargaining,” IAM International President Brian Bryant said in a press release. “The IAM has proven once again that we have the strength to take on some of the biggest companies in the world and win.”

The union said the contract includes:

– Work-Life Balance: Scheduling improvements with protections for both current and part time members.
– Pay Increases: Average raises of 10% over the life of the contract and increases in starting pay for 80% of job classifications.
– Job Security: Limits on contracted employees and a severance clause.
– Transparency: A fair and clear disciplinary process with protections and accountability.
The agreement maintains all current benefits and includes an agreement to bargain over any future additions.

“Through tireless dedication, the IAM CORE Negotiating Team secured a contract that not only meets but exceeds the needs and expectations of our members but sets a standard for Apple workers,” the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee said in the release. “This groundbreaking agreement will undoubtedly serve as a model for future negotiations, empowering retail workers across the industry. Now we must grow the IAM CORE in Maryland and beyond.”

IAM CORE represents about 85 employees at the Towson Apple Store.

The workers 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.

IAM CORE also accused Apple of stalling negotiations.

The union then voted to demand Apple's best and final offer, asserting that it would go on strike if the deal was unsatisfactory.

Union leaders soon after struck a deal with Apple on July 26, sending the contract proposal to the employees for their final approval.

“The landmark agreement achieved at Towson Apple is a direct result of the unwavering strength and solidarity of IAM CORE members,” IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan said in the release. “I am extremely proud of the patience displayed by IAM District 4 Directing Business Representative Jay Wadleigh, Eastern Territory Grand Lodge Representative David DiMaria, and the entire IAM CORE Negotiating Committee. This victory not only significantly improves pay and job security but also guarantees a fair and equitable workplace for all employees. Now we must work on securing a contract for more Apple workers throughout the nation.”

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

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• Towson Apple Store Strike Possible