Sections of this topic
In this article, we’ll explore the unique demands of unionized Apple Store employees in Maryland, who are seeking not only pay raises but also the ability to accept customer tips as a show of appreciation for their service.
Key Takeaways:
- Unionized Apple Store in Maryland negotiates for pay raises and customer tipping options
- Employees seek up to 10% salary increases, increased paid time off, and higher holiday pay
- Proposal includes overtime pay adjustments and bonuses for first-aid certification
- Union aims to extend paid bereavement leave to include pets and close friends
- Apple’s response to unionization efforts remains guarded
Negotiating for Higher Pay and Tips
The unionized Apple Store in Towson, Maryland, is making headlines as it enters a new round of negotiations with the company.
Employees are pushing for several changes, including a pay raise and the innovative request of accepting customer tips.
This move comes after the store became the first Apple Store to unionize successfully.
Other stores have tried to follow suit, but so far, only an Oklahoma City location has made any significant progress.
According to Bloomberg, the Maryland Apple Store is discussing various proposals with Apple over two days.
The usual demands, such as pay increases, more vacation time, and other perks, are present.
However, one unique proposal is the ability for customers to tip employees at checkout.
The union has acknowledged that these are initial proposals and aims to bring back an acceptable contract for members to ratify.
Additional Benefits and Policy Changes
Apart from seeking the ability to accept tips from customers, the union has several other demands.
Employees are requesting pay raises of up to 10%.
They are also asking for a $1 per hour bonus for those who become first-aid certified.
In terms of overtime pay, the union wants to see it doubled after an 8-hour shift or a 40-hour work week.
Weekend work should also be compensated with increased pay, according to their proposal.
Higher pay for an extended range of holidays is another request on the table.
Expanding Bereavement Leave
Bereavement leave is another critical aspect the union wants to address.
The request is to increase the amount of time employees can take off with pay when they experience a loss of a loved one.
They want to extend the current 10 days per event to a maximum of 45 days per year.
This expansion would cover not only immediate family members but also pets and close friends.
The union believes this change will provide employees with the necessary support during challenging times.
Apple’s Stance on Unionization
Apple’s response to the unionization efforts in its retail stores has been less than enthusiastic.
The company has participated in union-busting tactics since some of its stores began attempting to unionize.
Apple Towson Town Center is one of the few stores currently in negotiations with the company.
As Apple faces disputes with retail workers across the US, their stance on unionization remains guarded.
Nationwide meetings have been held with retail employees to discuss the risks of unionization, indicating Apple’s reluctance to accept these changes.
After facing allegations of using illegal measures against unions, Apple has decided to allow a neutral third-party to examine whether they are following their human rights regulations.
The company has yet to comment on the current negotiations with the Maryland store, leaving the outcome uncertain.
In Summary
Unionized Apple Store employees in Maryland are pushing for significant changes in their work environment, including a pay raise and the unique request of accepting customer tips.
As the first Apple Store to unionize, their negotiations set a precedent for future efforts in other locations.
It remains to be seen how Apple will respond to these demands and navigate the challenges posed by the growing push for unionization in its retail stores.
