Apple announced the June closure of its Towson Town Center store in Maryland, one of three locations slated for shutdown due to declining mall conditions. The Towson outlet made headlines in 2022 as the first U.S. Apple Store to unionize, passing a 65‑33 vote to join the IAM Union. The move follows broader closure of Apple stores in struggling malls, putting 100 employees at risk.

The International Association of Machinists claims Apple is retaliating by limiting transfer options for Towson employees, offering moves only within a 50‑mile radius and severance otherwise. In response, 40 members of Congress sent a letter to CEO Tim Cook and hardware chief John Ternus, urging the company to keep the store open or find alternative locations that preserve those jobs.

Lawmakers argue the closure could be an unfair labor practice, citing the union’s right to bargain on wages, hours and conditions. Maryland officials have also asked Apple for clarification, and the company has not replied. The store is still set to shutter on June 20 at 8 p.m., highlighting escalating tension between tech giants and organized labor.