US Apple to Have Its First Union... Maryland State Vote Passed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] For the first time, a labor union is being established at an Apple store in Maryland, USA.

According to AP News and others on the 18th (local time), the unionization proposal at the Apple store in Towson near Baltimore was passed. The vote result was 65 in favor and 33 against.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) stated on its website, "There was overwhelming support at this store, where more than 100 people work." IAM is known as one of the largest and most diverse industrial unions in North America, with about 600,000 members.

This is the first time a unionization vote has passed at an Apple store in the United States. Last month, an attempt to establish a union at the Apple store in Atlanta was made, but the management withdrew the employees' voting application, claiming they were engaging in unfair labor practices.

Earlier, Apple employees criticized Apple's working conditions online last year using hashtags and other means.

IAM sent a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook stating, "Workers have now gained the steadfast support of their comrades," and "This is not about opposing or fighting management."

According to foreign media, an Apple spokesperson said, "There is nothing more to add at this time," and did not make any special comments.

Robert Martinez, IAM president, said in a statement, "I commend the courage of the workers who showed to achieve this historic victory," and "They made tremendous sacrifices for the thousands of Apple employees nationwide who paid close attention to this election."

Meanwhile, unionization movements are gaining momentum recently at major U.S. companies such as Amazon and Starbucks. A union was first formed at a Starbucks store in December last year, and Amazon New York warehouse employees cast a majority of votes in favor of unionization in April.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.