Apple accused of discriminating against unionized Towson workers [U]

Update, April 28 1:12 a.m. ET: Apple reached out to 9to5Mac with more information, which you can find below the original post.

Following Apple’s decision to close its first-ever unionized store, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. Here are the details.

Apple accused of union busting

Earlier this month, Apple announced its decision to close three stores: Apple Towson Town Center in Towson (MD), Apple North County in Escondido (CA), and Apple Trumbull in Trumbull (CT).

In all three cases, the company said it had reached the decision after citing declining conditions and the departure of other retailers at the malls where the stores are located.

After the news broke, the decision to shut down Apple Towson Town Center quickly drew the most attention, as it was the first Apple retail store in the U.S. to unionize.

Additionally, Apple said employees at the Trumbull and North County stores would be able to continue their roles at nearby locations, while Towson workers would instead be “eligible to apply for open roles at Apple in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.”

In light of that, the IAM Union pushed back, saying the move raised “serious concerns” that the closure was a “cynical attempt to bust the union.” IAM Union also said it would explore “all legal options and will work with elected officials and allies to hold Apple accountable.”

Today, the IAM Union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Apple of discriminating against Towson employees by refusing to let them transfer to other locations.

From the charge document:

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