Apple Hit With Unfair Labor Practice Charge for Refusing to Transfer Unionized Towson Workers
Source: MacRumors
Background
The International Association of Machinists (IAM) Union, which represents Apple employees at the Towson, Maryland store, announced that it is filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The union alleges that Apple is unlawfully discriminating against its unionized workers.
Earlier this month, Apple announced plans to close the Towson Apple Store, along with two other locations in Connecticut and California. The Towson store was the first Apple retail location in the United States to unionize, doing so in 2022.
Union’s Unfair Labor Practice Charge
In its filing, the IAM Union claims that Apple is treating employees at the unionized Towson store differently from those at non‑union stores. While Apple allowed employees at two non‑union stores to transfer to other locations, Towson employees were required to reapply for open roles through the same process as external candidates. The union argues that this practice violates the collective bargaining agreement and federal labor law.
The filing includes a PDF of the ULR charge: [PDF].
Union’s Statements
“This is about whether workers are treated fairly under the law or punished for exercising their rights,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Apple is denying union‑represented workers the same opportunities it is giving to others — and doing so because these workers chose to organize. That is discrimination, and it is exactly what federal labor law is designed to prevent.”
The IAM Union also expressed outrage at Apple’s decision, stating that nothing in the collective bargaining agreement prevents employees from being relocated. The union described the store closure as a “cynical attempt to bust the union.”
Requested Remedy
The union has asked Apple to reverse its decision and allow Towson workers the same opportunity to transfer to other retail locations as non‑union employees.
Tag: Apple Store
This article, “Apple Hit With Unfair Labor Practice Charge for Refusing to Transfer Unionized Towson Workers,” first appeared on MacRumors.com.