Apple Closes First Unionized U.S. Store in Maryland, Facing Retaliation Charges

Apple has permanently shut its first unionized U.S. retail store in Towson, Maryland, a closure the representing union alleges is retaliatory against employees for their unionization efforts four years ago. While Apple attributes the decision to declining conditions and the departure of retailers at the Towson Town Center mall, the union claims the company is discriminating by terminating more than half of the roughly 70 unionized workers instead of offering transfers like it did for staff at other closed stores. This dispute has sparked legal action, with the IAM union filing an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, and has drawn congressional pressure urging Apple to reconsider the decision. The closure affects nearly 90 workers bracing for financial fallout, marking a significant moment in the ongoing labor battle between the tech giant and its unionized employees.