Employees at the Apple Store in Oklahoma City’s Penn Square Mall have officially agreed on their first collectively-bargained contract. These workers, who are represented by the Communications Workers of America under Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016, have secured a three-year agreement with Apple. This contract, as stated in a press release from CWA, includes several key provisions.
Firstly, employees can look forward to wage increases of up to 11.5% over the next three years. Additionally, they will have a say in their work schedules and will be guaranteed paid time off to vote. The agreement also promises a safer and more democratic workplace, with the establishment of joint Safety and Health and Working Relations committees, as well as a grievance and arbitration process.
Furthermore, the contract ensures job protection in case of a store closure or relocation, along with severance pay. Employees will also receive guaranteed paid time off, health benefits, and other perks. This news marks the culmination of years of effort by the Penn Square Mall Apple Store employees to unionize and secure a contract, with the organizing process starting back in early 2022.
After a unanimous strike authorization vote in August and a store picket, the parties finally reached a tentative agreement in early September. Notably, the Oklahoma City employees are the second group of Apple retail workers to successfully negotiate a contract through their union. Previously, an Apple Store in Maryland achieved this milestone by joining the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in June 2022.
It is clear that the employees at the Apple Store in Oklahoma City have made significant strides in improving their working conditions and securing important benefits through their union representation. This successful negotiation sets a positive precedent for other Apple retail workers across the country who may be considering unionizing. As more and more employees come together to advocate for their rights and interests, we may see a shift towards better treatment and compensation for workers in the tech industry as a whole. The solidarity and determination shown by these employees in Oklahoma City serve as a powerful example of the positive outcomes that can result from collective action in the workplace.
