The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against Apple with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the company unlawfully discriminated against unionized workers at its Towson, Maryland retail location. Towson made history in 2022 as the first Apple Store in the United States to vote for union representation.

Apple is closing three stores in June, including Towson. While workers at the Trumble and North County locations can transfer to other stores, Towson employees were only told they could "apply" for open positions. Apple claims the union contract prevents guaranteed transfers, but the union maintains no such clause exists in their agreement.

"This is about whether workers are treated fairly under the law or punished for exercising their rights," said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. "Apple is denying union-represented workers the same opportunities it is giving to others -- and doing so because these workers chose to organize. That is discrimination, and it is exactly what federal labor law is designed to prevent."