Apple Retail Workers in Atlanta Backs Out From Forming Union — But Was It Voluntary?

According to CNBC, a union vote at an Apple store in Atlanta's Cumberland Mall location is in jeopardy after the union seeking to organize the retail workers withdrew their election request.

Atlanta Workers Backs Out From Forming Union

In a statement, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) said that Apple had broken labor regulations and rendered a fair election impossible. Furthermore, the CWA stated that the number of COVID-19 cases at the shop is increasing, which could influence the vote due to worker health concerns.

In an email to Bloomberg, CWA said that "Apple has conducted a systematic, sophisticated campaign to intimidate them and interfere with their right to form a union."

When they first petitioned in April, the group claimed they had backing from the "overwhelming majority" of Atlanta shop employees.

Since then, Apple has been accused of using anti-union methods that violate labor rules. Managers at the shop organized "captive audience meetings," where workers were forced to attend meetings that included corporate anti-union talking points, according to a recent unfair labor practice filing by the CWA.

As per the report of Protocol, the group must wait six months before filing again to represent the same group of workers after withdrawing its request to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold an election.

What's Apple's Response?

An Apple representative responded to an inquiry regarding the Atlanta vote, saying, "We are fortunate to have incredible retail team members and we deeply value everything they bring to Apple," adding that the company offers strong compensation and benefits.

CNBC mentioned that Apple raised its starting hourly wage for retail workers from $20 to $22 an hour, reportedly warning employees that if they unionize, the company may have greater trouble improving working conditions.

"Thanks to what we started here in Atlanta, Apple will be giving all employees in all stores an unplanned raise. This is because of us," the organizing committee said.

Why Did These Apple Employees Want To Form a Union?

Protocol reported that workers in Atlanta first filed a unionization petition in late April, with over 70% of the store's employees signing cards in favor of the election.

The group intended to increase wages to $28 per hour and additional benefits. Their election was supposed to take place from June 2 to June 4. It would have been the first unionized U.S. Apple store if it had been successful.

Apple retail workers in Louisville, New York City, and Maryland are still planning to unionize, even though the company's 272 U.S. retail outlets have yet to hold a union election. On June 15, workers at a Maryland store will vote in a union election.

CNBC reported that this news is a setback for Apple employees seeking to form a union at the company's retail locations in the U.S. There are at least three more Apple stores with workers holding public union drives, in addition to the Cumberland Mall location. A union election for workers at a Maryland store is set for June 15.