After Amazon and Starbucks employees formed unions, it seems that Apple witnessed a crack with workers at the Maryland store voting to organize one of their own.
Employees of Apple will vote on Wednesday for a union election in Towson, Maryland. The voting will occur at their store located in a vacant lot center where their store is located.
The polls will be open from Wednesday to Saturday at selected times, with the count happening on Saturday evening.
Read also: Tensions Rise at Amazon’s First Unionized Warehouse Within the United States
In an effort to show solidarity, labor organizers dubbed their new organization AppleCORE (Apple Coalition of Organized Retail Employees). The united front has the support from both the IAM (International Association of Machinists) and Aerospace Workers trade union.
There have been several attempts by unions to get a vote from employees in different parts of the country. The AppleCore organizers are not alone when it comes down to trying as a store in Atlanta attempted but later pulled their petition in April. But there is hope for those working at Grand Central Terminal Station, New York City, as the store has been gathering more signatures.
Last May, the workers at AppleCORE wrote an open letter addressed directly towards CEO Tim Cook. In it, they detailed their decision on why this change was so important – they want more access rights as employees which currently do not exist within company policy.
The Washington Post reported about a worker-organizer who has been with the company for seven years asked for unionization so they could have representation and be able to make sure their voices are heard.
“More money is nice,” he said. “But it’s really about agency.”
According to Apple, its retail workers are entitled not only benefits but also compensation, reiterating its benefits in a statement.
“We are fortunate to have incredible retail team members, and we deeply value everything they bring to Apple,” the statement wrote. “We are pleased to offer very strong compensation and benefits for full time and part time employees, including health care, tuition reimbursement, new parental leave, paid family leave, annual stock grants, and many other benefits.”
The company announced that it will be raising the minimum wage for workers in America to $22 per hour.
Read also: What the Always-On Display Brings to Apple’s iOS 16
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