Apple's Unionized Maryland Store Preps for Negotiation, Possible Strike

Apple's unionized retail store in Towson, Maryland is preparing for a vote to decide if the union will push a strike against the tech giant.

The union has started distributing packets explaining how the strike will affect the employees once the action is authorized.

Apple's Maryland Union to Perform Walk-Out

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman shared the packet that was distributed to the employees. The piece of paper served as a manual that explained the important information about the strike, including authorization, funds, and protections.

The union's vote on May 11 will decide whether a strike will be done at any time. As of writing, there is no specific date that has been decided for it. Meanwhile, the local affiliate of the International Machinists & Aerospace Workers is set to negotiate once again with Apple on May 21.

According to the packet, a strike fund of $200 will be provided for strikers once the event has been going on for 14 days. The union also pledged that strikers can be neither discharged nor permanently replaced for participating.

Apple Claims Open to Negotiation With Retail Workers

In a statement, Apple shared that the company values its retail employees. Moreover, the company explained that they are cooperating with the representative of the union in Towson to achieve an agreement.

Previously, Apple and the Maryland store have laid down terms. However, none of them was able to meet the terms of both parties in the middle. The union claimed that Apple has been doing unfair labor practices and is not bargaining.

"Our tentative agreements will bring remarkable protections to our team and achieve many of our goals going into bargaining," said the union. They are reportedly trying to negotiate terms on pay, overtime, benefits, scheduling, and unpaid leave.