Apple began Providing Anti-Union Talking Materials to Shop Managers

The Scripts State that workers will lose 'flexibility' and will have 'Fewer Opportunities.'

According to Vice, Apple is distributing talking notes to management to discourage workers from unionizing at certain of its stores. It is warning employees that they may lose job chances, personal time off, and work flexibility, as well as the fact that the corporation will pay "less attention to merit" in union stores. According to Vice, the scripts were delivered to leaders at several Apple Stores. Managers have utilized the scripts during "downloads," or pre-shift employee meetings. "There are numerous factors to consider. One is how a union may significantly alter our working practices "they allegedly read "Having a crew that works well together is what makes a store great. When a union represents Store employees, this isn't always possible." Employees at Apple's Cumberland Mall store in Atlanta were the first to try to form a union, intending to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA). They've expressed dissatisfaction with their region's low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited promotion chances. "Everyone needs to be able to live without worrying about whether they will be able to purchase food or pay their expenses. Everyone needs to be allowed to live in the city in which they work "Last month, Engadget spoke with employee Elli Daniels. Apple didn't reply directly to Vice's report, but it did reiterate a previous statement. "We are lucky to have outstanding retail team members, and we greatly appreciate what they contribute to Apple. We are glad to provide competitive pay and benefits to both full-time and part-time employees, including health insurance, tuition reimbursement, new parental leave, paid family leave, annual stock awards, and many other perks "Vice was informed. Engadget has contacted the company for comment. Apple is said to have hired the same law firm as Starbucks for its anti-union effort, and its talking points echo arguments made at Amazon and Starbucks employee gatherings. One Amazon union buster advised employees that unionization could result in decreased pay, only to backtrack when confronted by employees. According to Vice, research has shown that unions enhance salaries and benefits for non-union workers in similar industries, while simultaneously narrowing racial and gender inequities. The Atlanta union election is scheduled for next month, and other businesses in Maryland and New York are apparently considering unionization.