Retail Apple employees at a New York City store in Grand Central terminal have started collecting signatures to form a union, according to a report from the Washington Post.
Organizers of fruit stand workers United announced they voted to affiliate themselves with the workers United labor union on February 21st, 2022. Workers United is the same group backing recent unionization efforts at Starbucks stores across the country.
Organizers at the Grand central location are handing out signature cards so employees can express interest in forming a union. So far, there has n’t been an Apple store that has successfully formed a union.
Organizers cite inflation rates and pandemic-related store closures. Grand Central is an’extraordinary store with unique working conditions,’ organizers say.
The Post reported that several Apple stores were getting ready to unionize amid complaints that wages ca n’t keep up with the skyrocketing rate of inflation and poor working conditions. The post’s recent report suggests that’at least three’ locations are progressing towards forming a union.
Apple and the NLRB did n’t immediately respond to the verge’s request for comment.’we are pleased to offer very strong compensation and benefits for full time and part time employees,’ an Apple spokesperson said.
Earlier this year, Apple increased benefits for both part-time and full-time retail employees. The Verge’s report said Apple employees’ are struggling with low wages and a stressful working environment.