Apple has agreed a collective bargaining agreement with trade union GMB to cover retail employees based in Glasgow, the first of its kind for UK-based employees of the tech giant.
In November 2022, the workers became the first in the UK to win trade union recognition, which they celebrated with a rally outside the Buchanan street store.
Commenting on the trade union recognition, John Slaven, organiser for GMB Scotland, said: “This is an absolutely historic moment and testament to the hard work of the activists and workers in at the Buchanan Street store – it’s another compelling new chapter in the trade union story that’s being written across the world in Apple.
“The workforce has spoken in a loud and clear voice to achieve recognition, making the case that they are pro-worker and not anti-employer, and that trade unionism should be a normal and welcome feature of any workplace in any industry.”
Louise Gilmour, secretary for GMB Scotland, added: “It’s no surprise that workers in Glasgow have become the first in Apple to win recognition, because trade unionism is in the DNA of this city and its people, and these workers have opened the door for thousands of their colleagues across the UK to follow their example.
“GMB is proud to give Apple workers a banner to organise under so they can make work better for themselves, we look forward to supporting them in their trade union journey, in working productively with the employer, and we congratulate them again on their tremendous achievement.”
Having achieved the collective bargaining agreement, these employees will now be able to elect workplace representatives to consult with Apple on issues such as pay, working arrangements and holiday entitlements.
Slaven added: “We must also acknowledge and welcome Apple’s decision to engage openly with its workers and our union, both in the pursuit of recognition last year, and now as signatories to the Buchanan Street store’s agreement.
“GMB is proud to give these workers a banner to organise under and we look forward to the continuation of participative and positive industrial relations with Apple as we make work better for our members in Glasgow.”
An Apple spokesperson told Benefits Expert: “We have long been committed to providing an excellent experience for our customers and teams. Apple is one of the highest paying retailers in Scotland and we’ve regularly made enhancements to our industry-leading benefits as a part of the overall support we provide to our valued team members.”
Retail employees at Apple in the UK have access to flexible medical plans covering physical and mental health, virtual and in-person counselling, help with fitness expenses, and help with tuition expenses. For families, the business provides medical coverage plans for fertility treatments, an inclusive parental leave policy which includes a gradual return programme, carer leave and guidance on finding childcare, elderly care and legal referrals.
Apple also offers employees the opportunity to become a shareholder through stock grants and a discount when purchasing stock, as well as income protection, discounts on Apple products, and donation matching for charitable pursuits.
