An Apple retail store in Towson, Maryland, became the first Apple store in the country to unionize. In a 65-33 vote tallied June 18, the unit of 110 workers affiliated with the International Association of Machinists (IAM). The bargaining unit covers most store workers (including “geniuses,” Apple’s name for service and repair workers).
Workers unionized in order to win livable wage and benefits and to ensure management listens to their feedback on store policies. They call their new union the Apple Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (Apple CORE). Apple fought the union using typical anti-union messaging, according to information leaked to Vice and More Perfect Union.
Machinists International President Robert Martinez, Jr. said Apple workers nationwide have eyes on the election. The company operates more than 270 such stores around the country. Now that it’s over, the union is calling on Apple CEO Tim Cook to respect the results and immediately bargain with the union workers.
