Decoder with Nilay Patel

What unions could mean for Apple with Zoe Schiffer

Jun 6, 2022

In this engaging discussion, Verge labor reporter Zoe Schiffer delves into the ongoing unionization efforts among Apple retail employees. Known for her expertise in workplace dynamics, Schiffer provides insights into the challenges these workers face regarding pay and conditions. The conversation covers the successful union formation in Atlanta and contrasts the experiences of corporate and retail staff. Schiffer also examines the broader implications of unionizing in tech, emphasizing the importance of worker solidarity as employees push for better representation and conditions amidst corporate resistance.

01:07:22

Episode guests

Zoë Schiffer

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

5min

Shifting Dynamics in Apple Retail

17min

Union Formation and Worker Solidarity

3min

Unionization in Tech: The Apple Experience

18min

Demands and Aspirations of Apple Store Employees for Unionization

3min

Employee Voices in Workplace Safety and Development

2min

Apple's Unionization Struggles

16min

Navigating Unionization in Tech Giants

2min

Today is Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC. It’s one of the biggest events of the year for Apple, one of the most important companies in the world. In fact, Apple is the most valuable company in the world, and it posted $18 billion in net profits in its first quarter — the most quarterly profit of any public company in history.

So, as we go into another huge Apple event, I wanted to have Verge labor reporter Zoe Schiffer on to talk about something else that’s happening inside Apple: a brewing push by its retail employees to unionize, store by store, because they’re unhappy with their pay and working conditions. Zoe is really well-sourced; she has an inside look at this fight. So, she helps us explain how this all works and what it might mean.

Links:

Fired #AppleToo organizer files labor charge against the company

Apple’s frontline employees are struggling to survive

Apple hires anti-union lawyers in escalating union fight

This is what Apple retail employees in Atlanta are fighting for

First US Apple Store union election set for June 2nd in Atlanta

Apple accused of union busting in new labor board filing

Transcript:

https://www.theverge.com/e/22917648

Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Today’s episode was produced by Creighton DeSimone and Jackie McDermott and it was edited by Callie Wright.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our Sr Audio Director is Andrew Marino and our Executive Producer is Eleanor Donovan.

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