Apple is facing new political pressure over its decision to permanently close its unionized retail store at Towson Town Center in Maryland, with two U.S. Senators and seven Members of Congress demanding answers from CEO Tim Cook and incoming CEO John Ternus about the move and its impact on workers.
The controversy centers on Apple Towson Town Center, which became the first unionized Apple Store in the United States in 2022. Apple plans to close the location on June 20 alongside two other stores in California and Connecticut, saying all three malls have seen declining conditions and the departure of major retailers.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
However, the Towson closure quickly turned into a labor dispute because unionized employees at the Maryland store are not receiving the same guaranteed transfer opportunities offered to workers at the other two closing locations.
Maryland delegation questions Apple’s decision
In a letter sent this week, Maryland lawmakers said they were “seriously concerned” about Apple shutting down what they described as a “strong-performing location” without plans to maintain a retail presence in the Baltimore region.
The lawmakers asked Apple to explain what alternatives it considered before deciding to close the store, including relocation options and operational changes that could preserve jobs.
They also questioned how Apple plans to support nearly 100 affected employees and whether the company would allow immediate transfers to nearby Apple Stores.
“We recognize that decisions of this scale involve complex business considerations. However, we urge Apple to reconsider whether there are viable paths forward that would preserve jobs and maintain a retail presence in the region. Maryland residents value employers who invest in their workforce and demonstrate a sustained commitment to the communities they serve. We stand ready to engage constructively with Apple to better understand this decision and to explore potential solutions.”
— Letter from Maryland congressional delegation to Tim Cook and John Ternus
The lawmakers also said the closure would “significantly affect” workers, local residents, and small businesses tied to the shopping area.
Union accuses Apple of discriminatory treatment
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, also known as IAM, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board last month over the closure.
IAM argues Apple treated Towson employees differently because the store is unionized. Workers at Apple Trumbull in Connecticut and Apple North County in California received guaranteed transfer opportunities to nearby stores, while Towson employees only received the option to apply for open positions under the union contract.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant praised Maryland lawmakers for “standing with working people” and demanding accountability from Apple.
Apple rejected the allegations and said it is following the collective bargaining agreement negotiated with the union in 2024.
According to Apple, the agreement states employees would receive transfers or rehiring opportunities only if the company opened another store within 50 miles of Towson within 18 months. Otherwise, the contract provides severance for affected employees.
Apple also said it “strongly disagree[s] with the claims made” and plans to present its case to the NLRB.
Discussion