In a significant development for labor relations in the tech industry, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) has reached a tentative three-year agreement with Apple. The deal, which focuses on enhancing work-life balance, pay raises, and job security, is poised for a vote by employees at Apple's retail store in Towson, Maryland, scheduled for August 6.
The proposed agreement includes an average pay increase of 10 percent, restrictions on the use of contracted employees, and the introduction of a severance clause. Additionally, it emphasizes improvements in work-life balance and establishes rules to ensure greater transparency within the company. Current benefits will remain unchanged, and there is a commitment to negotiate future additions, further strengthening the support for Apple employees.
This agreement comes after Apple has yet to publicly comment on the negotiations. Earlier, in May 2024, employees at the Towson store authorized a strike to address ongoing concerns related to work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices, and wages that do not keep pace with the area's cost of living. Their efforts culminated in June 2022 when they became the first Apple retail employees in the United States to unionize by joining IAM.
The tentative agreement marks a pivotal moment for both Apple and its workforce, highlighting the growing movement towards better working conditions and fair compensation in the retail sector of the tech giant.
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U.S. union reaches tentative agreement with Apple on work-life balance
cgtn.com
