The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board on Apr. 27, alleging that Apple discriminated against unionized employees at its Towson, Maryland retail store.
The IAM Union claims that Apple denied Towson workers access to transfer rights and other opportunities given to non-union employees affected by store closures elsewhere. The union said this treatment was in retaliation for protected union activity and violated federal labor law.
Apple recently announced the closure of its Towson location, which is the first unionized Apple retail store in the United States. According to the IAM Union, while workers at two other closing non-union stores were offered transfer opportunities within Apple, Towson employees were told they must reapply for jobs as if they were external candidates.
“This is about whether workers are treated fairly under the law or punished for exercising their rights,” said Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union. “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 stated that nearly 90 people work at the Towson store, which serves as a key hub providing products and support for students, working families, and small businesses in Baltimore.
The union has called on Apple to reverse its decision regarding employee transfers and treat all affected staff equally.
