Congress is increasing its pressure with stronger language in a letter from more members that claims Apple Towson is a “high-performing” store with 100 technologically skilled workers.
Congress doesn’t think Apple should close the Apple Towson store, which also happens to be its first unionized retail store. Nine members said so before, but an additional 39 new members and one returning member have said so again.
The letter states outright that the store closure is likely a violation of Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. The union representing the store, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, filed an unfair labor practice charge against Apple in April.
While the letter doesn’t go into detail about exactly how Apple has violated Section 7, it does urge Apple to change its mind in one of two ways. It is suggested that Apple should refrain from closing the store “during one of the most difficult economies in recent history.”
The second demand/strongly-worded request is that if the store must close, the employees get equal treatment to other closed stores. Basically, the unionized employees should be transferred to other nearby stores without needing to reapply.
Honoring the union’s contract
Apple did promise the unionized workers severance, which was part of the contract. The negotiated contract also gives the workers first refusal if Apple opens a new store within 50 miles of Towson.
Apparently, the union never negotiated terms for relocation or other benefits, but expected them anyway since Apple employees get them. However, as Apple has stated, it will honor the letter of the contract it negotiated with the union.
AppleInsider has verified that the area that the Apple Towson store is in has become a ghost town. Even if it is “well-performing” as the Congress members assert, it isn’t in an area with high traffic and can’t carry the region on its own.
Other recent Apple Store closures are also due to being in neglected malls and shopping centers. Apple has also been prioritizing standalone stores with more unique designs and offerings in recent years.
Going to court
Towson may be Apple’s first unionized store, but if Apple can reliably prove it was underperforming and isn’t worth keeping open, the union and its representatives likely can’t argue union busting. Apple has a right to close a store if it chooses to.
Apple may have to defend its decisions to close Apple Towson in court
The issue the employees are facing is the one that Apple retail chief Deirdre O’Brien raised in 2022.
“It is your right to join a union — and it is equally your right not to join a union,” O’Brien said at the time. “And if you’re faced with that decision, I want to encourage you to consult a wide range of people and sources to make sure you understand what it could mean to work at Apple under a collective bargaining agreement.”
Her concern was that an external organization may not understand employees’ needs nor have their best interests at heart. Given the problems the union has faced with its negotiated contract, again and again, that may be true.
Employees at other Apple Stores are being offered the chance to relocate to other locations. If the union didn’t get that in writing for its members, it’s tough to argue.
Apple will no doubt close the store and go to court over its decisions. That court will be responsible for deciding if Apple was actively trying to crush a union or if it was simply closing a store.
Regardless, it seems the employees of Apple Towson will need to work on their resumes before the store closes on June 20.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
