Customers pass by the Apple logo in the Apple Store at Grand Central Station in New York.
Lucas Jackson | Reuters
Workers who want to form a union so apple The Grand Central Terminal store wants to pay at least $ 30 an hour, according to the website of Fruit Stand Workers United, a group updated on Monday.
Employees of a well-known Apple store in New York City began taking steps to form a union earlier this year and posted the first public website announcing their efforts over the weekend.
The demand for wage increases shows that Apple’s wage workers believe they are more valuable in a tough labor market.
“We are paying a minimum of $ 30 for all workers based on a matrix based on role, tenure, and performance,” the organizer said. Said on their website.. “For benefits, we are calling for stronger changes, such as increased tuition refunds, shorter vacations, improved 401 (k) match rates and improved retirement options, such as joining the pension system. For health and safety, we’ll be investigating security protocols that involve customer interaction and investigating truck dust, the health effects of building materials, and noise pollution at Grand Central. “
Apple employees can earn $ 17 to $ 30 or more per hour, depending on the market and experience.Washington post Report on saturday.. On Monday, Verizon, a retail competitor in the telephone market, said Said to raise the minimum wage Up to $ 20 per hour.
In a statement, an Apple spokeswoman said, “Very strong compensation and benefits, including healthcare, tuition refunds, new parental leave, paid parental leave, annual stock grants and many other benefits. We are pleased to be able to provide benefits to full-time and part-time employees. ” ..
An employee-led organizing committee collects approval cards that determine the level of union support at the store. The union requires 30% of approximately 270 eligible employees in the Grand Central location to submit to NLRB. This is an important step before submitting a union petition.
If the organizer has 30% of eligible employees sign the card, at least 50% of the employees must vote to officially certify the union.
This is the latest sign of increased workplace activity nationwide in an inflationary environment, and the Covid-19 pandemic requires frontline workers to rethink the risks and benefits of work. there is.
Amazon workers voted to form a union at a warehouse on Staten Island Early this month.Starbucks location Voted for unions nationwide.. Employees at Apple’s Grand Central Store are seeking representatives from Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, which has overseen the success of Starbucks union activities.
“We realized that hourly workers across the country would continue to ignore workplace concerns without organizing a collective voice,” the Workers’ Union said in a statement.
According to Financial Filing, Apple has 154,000 employees worldwide and 270 US stores. Apple reported over $ 365 billion in sales worldwide in 2021.
