Apple announced the impending shutdown of its Towson Town Center store, the first Apple location to unionize in the U.S. Workers, local officials, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers gathered outside the Baltimore County Courthouse on May 27, 2026, demanding fair treatment and questioning Apple’s motives.

Apple claims the closures stem from declining mall sales, citing three stores: North County in Escondido, Trumbull in Connecticut, and Towson. While non‑union sites receive automatic transfer offers, Towson employees face a generic application process, sparking accusations that Apple’s contract terms force unequal severance and discrimination.

Eric Brown, a senior Apple employee, voiced dissent during the rally, labeling the move as retaliation. He cited the union’s mandate for severance, arguing Apple’s claim that all staff receive severance is incorrect. IAM president Brian Bryant called the action “plain and simple” retaliation, demanding Apple acknowledge its discriminatory practices.

Apple maintains it disagrees with the allegations and has yet to respond to an open letter from local officials. The protest underscores a broader tension between the tech giant and its workforce, raising questions about union rights, corporate policy, and the future of retail operations amid shifting consumer habits.