Workers at Apple's Oklahoma City store have this week petitioned to unionize their store, the latest in a string of locations to do so.
Employees have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board as they seek to join the Communications Workers of America Union.
As reported by Bloomberg the store is the latest in a line of locations seeking to unionize.
Petition
Maryland workers successfully voted to form a union in July, and initial petitions have prompted a wave of response from different stores also seeking to unionize.
"This is a really great time to bring back the labor movement," one employee told the outlet. According to the report "roughly 70%" of employees have signed up. It only requires 30% before the agency can hold an election should the company choose not to recognize the group voluntarily. If a majority is won at said election Apple will be legally required to bargain with the group.
Apple has not publicly responded to any union activity, instead offering a regular statement that reads:
"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 for full time and part time employees, including health care, tuition reimbursement, new parental leave, paid family leave, annual stock grants and many other benefits."
While the company has agreed to meet with the Maryland union, elsewhere there are reports of strong union-busting tactics including captive audience meetings and bans on fliers and posters, as well as managers who offer anti-union talking points at stores' daily downloads, a daily meeting held amongst all Apple staff in retail locations.
As Bloomberg notes the Oklahoma City workers would be the first Apple employees to vote to join the CWA, workers in Maryland are a part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Apple is preparing to unveil its iPhone 14 at an event next week, alongside a new Apple Watch Series 8 and more.
