Employees at an Apple Store in Maryland voted to authorize a strike

Apple’s first union store in Towson, Maryland now has resolve the first strike against the retail giant. It follows what the union called “over a year of negotiations with Apple management that produced unsatisfactory results,” according to press release by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Retail Coalition (IAM CORE).

The Maryland store, located in a Baltimore mall, represents about 100 employees and will unionize in 2022, becoming the first Apple store to do so. The vote closed last weekend and allows workers to leave at any time, but no date has yet been set.

While the parties reached agreement in principle on 25 areas, other key issues remain unresolved. “Issues at the forefront of this action include concerns about work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices that violate privacy and wages that do not meet the cost of living in the area,” the union wrote.

“We deeply value our team members and are proud to provide them with industry-leading compensation and exceptional benefits. As always, we will engage with the union representing our Towson team with respect and goodwill,” Apple said in a statement.

The union previously accused Apple of illegally withholding new benefits, including health care and other benefits, from workers at the Towson store. Last year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) said Apple violated federal law with anti-union meetings in Atlanta. A New York judge also issued a cease and desist order against Apple for abusing employee rights.

Apple and IAM CORE will return to the bargaining table on May 21, according to the union. “This vote today is the first step in showing our solidarity and sends a clear message to Apple,” the union said in a statement. “While discussions with Apple management continue, we remain committed to delivering tangible improvements that benefit all employees.”