The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) released a statement on Apr. 10 expressing strong opposition to Apple’s decision to close its Towson, Maryland store, which was the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States.
The closure has drawn attention because it affects both employees and the local community that depends on the store for services and access to public transit. The IAM Union said that Apple’s explanation for the closure—citing collective bargaining agreement restrictions on relocation—is not accurate.
“The IAM Union is outraged by Apple’s decision to close its Towson, Md., store—the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States—and abandon both its workers and a community that relies on it for critical services and its unique access to public transit. Apple’s claim that the collective bargaining agreement prevents relocation is simply false and raises serious concerns that this closure is a cynical attempt to bust the union. We are exploring all legal options and will work with elected officials and allies to hold Apple accountable. We stand with our IAM Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) members and the community that depends on this store for essential access and support.”
According to the IAM Union, it represents about 600,000 active and retired members working across various industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others throughout North America.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between labor organizations seeking workplace protections through unionization efforts at major corporations like Apple. The IAM Union indicated it would pursue legal avenues while collaborating with government representatives as part of their response.
