Bid to unionize at Apple store in Mall at Short Hills fails. Here's why, in CWA's view
The bid to form a union at the Apple store in the upscale Mall at Short Hills failed over the weekend, said federal labor officials and union activists — another blow to the post-pandemic surge in union organizing efforts.
As of Saturday evening, employees at the Short Hills branch of the tech giant voted 57-41 against unionizing, said Kayla Blado, a spokesperson for the Democratic-controlled National Labor Relations Board, which oversees labor organizing efforts across the country.
The Communications Workers of America labor union, which organized the bid, blamed alleged illegal anti-union efforts for the defeat. It filed complaints with the NLRB accusing Apple of retaliatory actions against Short Hills organizers.
“Instead of leaving the decision up to the workers themselves, the company turned to its usual anti-union playbook to influence the results of the election,” the CWA said in a statement.
“Apple’s union-busting is a widespread problem that underscores workers’ need to have an independent voice on the job to ensure the company lives up to its credo," the statement said. "Only through a strong union contract can workers establish real respect and democracy on the job.”
An Apple spokesperson denied the claims by the CWA, saying it looks "forward to providing the full set of facts to the NLRB."
Saturday’s union rejection came as an accompanying Apple labor union in Maryland voted over the weekend to go on strike.
Medieval Times unionizing efforts failed
The unionization bid also occurred as other labor-organizing efforts falter, including at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, which effectively ended its campaign for a contract in March.
Other businesses have been accused of conducting illegal anti-union behaviors, including Starbucks and the cleaning company contracted by the American Dream mall in East Rutherford.
Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record.
Email: munozd@northjersey.com; Twitter:@danielmunoz100 and Facebook
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bid to unionize at Apple store in Short Hills mall fails
