Apple has hired the services of anti-union lawyers to thwart the unionization efforts of its retail store workers. The Cupertino-based company tapped the same firm that helped Starbucks stop unionization efforts of its employees.
Apple Hires Anti-Union Lawyers
According to The Verge, Apple has already contracted anti-union lawyers at Littler Mendelson. The firm will handle the ongoing situation at the retail store in Cumberland Mall, northwest Atlanta. Last week, workers at that location announced plans to file a petition for a union election. The group has started gathering signed authorization cards of support from other workers.
Apple has not issued a public statement about the unionization effort but that doesn’t mean the company was ignoring the issue. On the contrary, hiring anti-union lawyers show’s Apple’s commitment to oppose the efforts or perhaps negotiate with the group.
As mentioned, the firm Little Mendelson also helped Starbucks against unionization efforts of its employees. In addition, the anti-union firm also assisted McDonald’s when its workers demanded a $15 per hour minimum wage in 2016.
Apple retail workers at the Cumberland Mall, Atlanta wanted to unionize with Communication Workers of America. CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens reacted to Apple’s move to hire Littler Mendelson.
By retaining the notorious union busting firm Littler Mendelson, Apple’s management is showing that they intend to try to prevent their employees from exercising their right to join a union by running the same playbook as other large corporations.
Apple Quietly Moves to Thwart Unionization Efforts
Aside from hiring anti-union lawyers, it seems Apple has already conducted captive-audience meetings, an anonymous Apple worker told The Verge. These meetings are usually conducted to spread anti-union messaging during work hours. “There’s a lot of misinformation that’s been spread trying to scare the masses,” the worker said. “I think they’re panicking.” Companies usually employ these tactics to frighten employees in hopes of dissuading them from joining a union.
Aside from the unionization efforts of workers in the Atlanta retail store, workers at the Apple flagship store at Grand Central Terminal also began making similar moves. The group known as Fruit Stand Workers United has started collecting signed cards of support and voted to become part of Workers United.
Apple has yet to issue an official announcement about the unionization efforts of some of its Apple retail store workers.
Lead by Abe Simpson?
the simpsons union busters
Is it news if a union or union workers hire a ‘pro-union’ law firm? The headline, and the story, at least in so far as it complains that Apple hired a firm that has experience dealing with unions, is the epitome of ‘not news’ clickbait.
And when you have to quote an ‘anonymous source’ with a single anecdote, that’s not news, either.
Unionization, while positive in general, is not one-sided. Should Apple’s employees unionize? That’s up to them. But the law allows both sides to have their say. And I guarantee you that the employees looking to unionize have hired lawyers who are ‘pro-union’.
If this is the direction ‘reporting’ at The Mac Observer is taking since the sale, I won’t be reading.
If Apple wants to weigh in with a statement, we’ll gladly provide them the same “airtime” we give their employees.
Seriously uncool TC. This will come back and bite Apple in the @$$ later on by damaging the brand.
I have an idea, instead of spending millions to thwart unionization efforts, why not put that money into improving salary and working conditions? Unions are a response, not a goal, happy workers don’t unionize.