Glasgow Apple store staff first branch in the UK to join a union

Workers at a handful of the technology giant's American shops have applied in recent weeks for union recognition.

But workers here are leading the charge in the UK having filed for Voluntary Union Recognition with Apple after joining GMB Scotland.

They claim low wages, lack of pay transparency and unfair shift patterns have pushed them to make the move.

An Apple worker, who asked to remain anonymous, added: “In the UK Apple have staff forums, but these are continually shown to be ineffectual and feedback is ignored.

"It is a one-way conversation.

"We need our own representatives and a proper voice to change things.

"People are suffering with the cost-of-living crisis. We need a pay rise, pay transparency and a voice.”

Unionisation in major American corporations such as Amazon and Starbucks has been a hot topic in recent months with Apple store staff now also seeking representation.

On June 15, workers at an Apple store in Maryland, in the US, are to begin an in-person union election.

If they are successful, they would be the first branch in America to unionise.

Workers in that store, calling themselves Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (AppleCore), announced the move on May 3 after another branch in Atlanta filed for a union election.

But those staff members changed their minds on the vote, claiming Apple had launched an anti-union campaign in response to their plans.

Two other stores, at Grand Central Station in New York City and another in Kentucky, have also announced they will campaign for union recognition.

Workers in Glasgow said they have been unhappy with a lack of pay transparency within the company, having reportedly been discouraged from discussing their personal pay with colleagues.

This includes job roles being advertised without details of an expected salary.

There has also been frustration over recent changes to scheduling resulting in workers reportedly struggling to find a work/life balance.

GMB organiser John Slaven said: "These workers have shown tremendous courage and resilience to organise themselves.

"Apple speaks the language of social justice but in practice it is the same story of low pay, unfair shift patterns and lack of respect.

"These workers realise they need an independent voice and that can only come through unionisation.”

Apple announced profits of $25bnn during the second quarter of the 2022 fiscal year while CEO Tim Cook received a remuneration package worth $98.7m in 2021.

Store staff in Glasgow said they earn around £12 an hour and will demand a pay rise should union recognition be received.

GMB now claim they have the majority of workers in membership in the Glasgow store with many other enquiries from other stores across the UK.

The Evening Times understands the GMB is lobbying politicians across the political spectrum in the city to support the right of workers to unionise, including approaching First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Louise Gilmour, Scottish secretary of the GMB, said: “GMB’s mission is to make work better and we are delighted to give these workers the support they need to unionise in Apple.

“Times are changing for big tech firms; in the grip of the biggest cost-of-living crisis in 40 years they need to start practicing what they’ve been preaching for years about corporate social responsibility.

“So rather than fight against the inevitable, Apple must listen to its workers, respect their desire to organise, and work with our reps to make it happen because this drive for recognition isn’t going away."

An Apple spokesperson said: “We are fortunate to have incredible retail team members and we deeply value everything they bring to Apple.

“We are pleased to offer very strong compensation and benefits, including private healthcare, enhanced parental leaves, paid family leave, annual stock grants and many other benefits for every team member.”