Apple reaches its first contract agreement with a US retail union

Core Points - Workers at the Towson, Maryland Apple Store have reached a tentative contract agreement, marking a significant milestone as the first unionized Apple retail store in the U.S. to do so [1] - The three-year agreement includes scheduling improvements, average raises of 10% over the contract's duration, a severance clause, limits on contracted employees, and a transparent disciplinary process [1] - The union's negotiating committee emphasized that this agreement provides members with a voice in their futures and is a strong first step toward further gains [1] Union Vote and Negotiations - A vote on the tentative agreement is scheduled for August 6 [2] - During negotiations, workers authorized a strike to demonstrate solidarity and send a clear message to Apple [2] - While there have been efforts to unionize other Apple retail stores in the U.S., only two have been successful so far, with ongoing contract negotiations at an Oklahoma City store [2]