- Dozens of Apple workers in Australia went on strike on Tuesday in a dispute over pay and conditions.
- Workers are refusing to fix AirPods or screen screens or take care of deliveries.
- Josh Cullinan, union official, said that the strike was landmark action by Australian labor unions.
Reports say that dozens of Apple store workers in Australia went on strike for one hour. They refused to perform certain tasks because of a dispute over wages and working conditions.
The Union of Fast Food and Retail Workers On Tuesday, the announcement was madeWorkers had quit their jobs at two Brisbane stores, Queensland, and one Newcastle store, New South Wales.
This staff refused to perform tasks like installing screen protectors, fixing AirPods, or handling deliveries. The New York Times reported.
The actions are a result of a failure to reach a settlement over a salary deal that would have included real-terms wage cuts and the prospect for some staff working 60-hour weeks without overtime pay. The Sydney Morning Herald.
Only 150 of the 4,000 Apple employees are engaged in industrial action. Reuters reportedBut, Josh Cullinan (union secretary) said that the strike was historically significant.
“RAFFWU’s apple workers have stepped up to represent Apple workers where no other retail workers have ever gone in Australian history.” Cullinan stated, “They are striking for a fair price.”
Apple has refused to negotiate in good faith and hardly budge from a wage-cutting substandard deal that pays less than the minimum Award wages, without set rosters and with no work/life balance.”
The Herald reports that Apple employees were not permitted to speak with media, but could make comments that could be heard and reported on by reporters.
Max, a worker who identified himself as Max, said that they wanted a living wage that kept up with inflation.
“We want work/life harmony. We want predictable rosters. These are the things that all employees in the country have to see.
Stephen Bates joined the striking staff in Brisbane. He had been working at Chermside for five years and was elected as an Australian Greens MP to the federal parliament in May.
Bates said that he had seen the protestors firsthand and knew why they were there.
Apple stated in an email that it was committed to providing an exceptional experience for customers and employees. It also said that they were proud to offer strong compensation and other benefits to their valued Australian team members. Apple is one the most highly-paid employers in Australia. We have made significant improvements to our industry leading benefits, including new educational, health and wellness programs.
Unionization is gaining momentum as workers across the US intensify their efforts to take collective action. Inflation on the riseStabilized wages
An Apple store opened in Towson (Maryland) in June The first union was formed.Workers at a store located in Oklahoma City voted last Friday for unionization and will be represented through the Communications Workers of America.
HuffPost reported on Christmas Eve 2013 that over 50 Apple employees had been fired Protest against working conditions led to the resignation of the employee..
