Maryland Governor Wes Moore has publicly backed employees at Apple’s Towson Town Center store as the dispute over the location’s upcoming closure continues to draw attention from labor groups and lawmakers. The store, which became the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States in 2022, is currently scheduled to close on June 20.
Apple announced earlier this year that the Towson Town Center store would shut down alongside two other retail locations in California and Connecticut. However, the decision has sparked criticism because of the store’s union status and the transfer options being offered to affected employees.
Governor Wes Moore Supports Towson Workers
Governor Wes Moore said the Towson Town Center store has played an important role in the local economy by providing jobs, supporting business activity, and serving customers in the region. He also praised the workers for demonstrating that strong business performance and worker representation can exist together.
Moore called on Apple to provide Towson employees with the same transfer opportunities available to workers at non-union stores. While he did not directly accuse Apple of anti-union practices, his statement added pressure on the company as the closure date approaches.
The IAM Union, which represents workers at the Towson location, has repeatedly criticized Apple’s handling of the closure. The union argues that employees should receive broader relocation options rather than being limited by the terms of the existing labor agreement.
Several Maryland lawmakers and dozens of members of Congress have also urged Apple to reconsider the closure or expand transfer opportunities for affected workers. The union welcomed Governor Moore’s support and called on Apple to take action before the store closes.
Apple Stands by Its Position
Apple has maintained that it is following the agreement negotiated with the union. After the IAM Union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board in April, the company said it strongly disagreed with the allegations and would present its case to the NLRB.
As of now, Apple’s Towson Town Center store remains scheduled to close on June 20 at 8:00 p.m., while the dispute over employee transfer rights continues.
