New Jersey Apple Store Workers Vote Against Unionisation

Workers at an Apple retail store in New Jersey have voted not to join a union, in a setback for post-pandemic unionising efforts at the company.

Staff at the store in Short Hills voted 57-41 against joining the Communication Workers of America (CWA) union, according to a tally of the vote from the National Labor Relations Board oversight body.

Staff at Apple stores in Maryland and Oklahoma voted in 2022 to unionise in a pioneering step.

The CWA accused Apple of anti-union efforts and filed complaints with the NLRB saying Apple had engaged in retaliation against organisers in Short Hills.

‘Anti-union playbook’

“Instead of leaving the decision up to the workers themselves, the company turned to its usual anti-union playbook to influence the results of the election,” the CWA said.

“Apple’s union-busting is a widespread problem that underscores workers’ need to have an independent voice on the job to ensure the company lives up to its credo. Only through a strong union contract can workers establish real respect and democracy on the job.”

Apple denied wrongdoing and said it looks “forward to providing the full set of facts to the NLRB”.

The vote came as Apple Store workers in Towson, Maryland, unionised under the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), voted in favour of authorising a strike.

The date for work stoppage was not immediately announced following the vote on Saturday.

‘Work-life balance’

IAM said the vote concerned “work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices disrupting personal lives, and wages failing to align with the area’s cost of living”.

“We will engage with the union representing our team in Towson respectfully and in good faith,” Apple said in a statement.

Workers at the Maryland store became the first Apple retail staff in the US to unionise in June 2022.