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Employees at Apple's store in Oklahoma City have successfully negotiated and ratified their first-ever collective bargaining agreement.
This marks the second such agreement for Apple's retail workforce in the US. In the midst of a series of tech sector lay-offs, numbering more than 137,000 across the world this year, companies such as Amazon, Uber, Apple and others are seeing an increase in workers seeking union support to negotiate better pay and working conditions.
Some 800,000 Amazon workers, backed by the powerful Teamsters union recently won a pay rise and other benefits, after many years of resistance to union activity by the online giant.
The Apple workers’ three-year contract, approved by an overwhelming majority of the 78 Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016 members at the Penn Square Mall location, introduces several key improvements to working conditions and compensation. Provisions include phased wage increases totalling up to 11.5% over the contract period, enhanced employee input on scheduling, and guaranteed paid leave for voting.
The agreement also establishes a formal grievance and arbitration process, alongside joint committees focused on workplace safety and labor relations. Additional protections cover scenarios such as store closures or relocations, and the contract guarantees certain paid time off and health benefits.
Apple accepting union representation
Michael Forsythe, a Genius Admin and member of Apple Retail Union-CWA, said: "After overcoming numerous obstacles that Apple has put in our way, we've secured the protections and improvements we deserve. We hope this encourages Apple's tens of thousands of retail workers across the country.”
Workers had previously voted unanimously to authorize strike action and conducted an informational picket following prolonged negotiations. The strike was called off after talks led to a tentative agreement on September 6th.
Antonio Flores, President of CWA Local 6016, emphasized the significance of the contract. "This achievement demonstrates the power of collective action in one of the tech industry's most profitable companies," he said.
The agreement follows a similar breakthrough at Apple's Towson Town Square store in Maryland last month, where employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers ratified the company's first union contract.
Derrick Osobase, CWA District 6 Vice President, called on Apple to extend similar opportunities to workers at all locations, citing growing public support for unionization efforts. "It's time for Apple to change course, hold itself accountable to their credo, and allow workers at all stores a free and fair opportunity to choose whether or not to join a union.”
The successful negotiation in Oklahoma City potentially sets a precedent for future labor relations in Apple's retail operations, as employees increasingly seek formal representation to address workplace concerns.
