After Apple announced the closure of three retail stores, including its first unionized location at Apple Towson Town Center, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. The union claims that Apple's decision to close the Towson store constitutes discrimination against its employees, who are denied transfer opportunities available to non-union workers at other locations.
Apple has stated that the closures in Towson (MD), Escondido (CA), and Trumbull (CT) were due to deteriorating conditions and the exit of other retailers from the malls housing these stores. Employees at the North County and Trumbull locations can transfer to nearby stores, while those at Towson will have to apply for open positions in line with their collective bargaining agreement.
The IAM Union has expressed serious concerns regarding what it perceives as a strategy to undermine union representation. In a statement, the union indicated it would explore all available legal avenues and engage with elected officials to hold Apple accountable for its actions. A press conference held by the IAM Union emphasized the need for Apple to reconsider its approach to the Towson store closure.