Maryland Lawmakers Press Apple Over Decision to Close Unionized Store

Source: MacRumors

In a letter sent to Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and hardware engineering chief John Ternus, nine members of the U.S. Congress from Maryland voiced “serious concern” about Apple’s decision to close its unionized retail store in Towson, Maryland, on June 20. The lawmakers noted that Apple has no plans to open a replacement store within the Baltimore region.

“We recognize that decisions of this scale involve complex business considerations. However, we urge Apple to reconsider whether there are viable paths forward that would preserve jobs and maintain a retail presence in the region. Maryland residents value employers who invest in their workforce and demonstrate a sustained commitment to the communities they serve. We stand ready to engage constructively with Apple to better understand this decision and to explore potential solutions.”

The letter warned that the closure will “significantly affect” residents and small businesses across the Baltimore area, impacting approximately 90 employees.

Context of the Closure

• Mall decline: Local news reports indicate that Towson Town Center is experiencing a downturn, having lost major retailers such as Tommy Bahama, Banana Republic, and Madewell.
• Other closures: Apple permanently closed three U.S. retail stores in June 2024:
  • Apple Towson Town Center (Towson, MD)
  • Apple Trumbull (Trumbull, CT)
  • Apple North County (Escondido, CA)

Apple cited the “departure of several retailers” and declining conditions at all three shopping malls as reasons for the closures.

Union Background

The Towson store employees belong to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE). They signed a collective bargaining agreement with Apple in 2024.

Employee Transfer and Severance

• Trumbull and North County: Apple stated that employees at these locations will “continue their roles” at nearby Apple stores, guaranteeing transfer eligibility.
• Towson: Apple said Towson employees are eligible to apply for open roles at Apple in accordance with their collective bargaining agreement, but it is unclear how many will secure new positions.

Labor Action

IAM filed an unfair‑labor‑practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging discriminatory treatment of unionized Towson workers. Unlike the employees at the other two closing stores, the Towson unionized staff have not been offered transfer opportunities.

IAM President Brian Bryant commented:

“We praise the Maryland congressional delegation for having these workers’ backs and demanding answers from Apple. These workers made history by exercising their right to organize for a voice on the job. Walking away from them now sends a dangerous message to working people everywhere.”

Apple’s Position

Apple maintains that it is complying with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. According to the contract:

• If a store closes and Apple opens a new store within 50 miles of the former location, employees must be transferred or rehired.
• In any other circumstance, employees are entitled to severance.
• Apple has no current plans to open a new store in the Towson area, but if it does so within the next 18 months, affected employees would have a right of first refusal.

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This article first appeared on MacRumors.com.