Apple will loosen working hours for retail staff as part of a push to unionize, Bloomberg News reported Thursday, citing sources.
The company told staff at some stores that the schedule changes would take effect in the coming months, the report said, citing workers. The changes will include extending the minimum period between shifts from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Last week, the iPhone maker told Reuters it would raise pay for its US employees to $22 (about 1,700 rupees) an hour or more.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company, known for its reluctant culture, last year came under fire online for its working conditions from some current and former employees.
In April, workers at Apple’s Atlanta store filed a petition to hold union elections, seeking to become the company’s first U.S. store to unionize amid a wave of union activity in other major businesses.
Meanwhile, Microsoft said Thursday it would not resist efforts to unionize its employees because it recognizes their legal right to choose to form or join a union.
The announcement comes days after Apple raised pay for its U.S. hourly workers as companies grapple with a tight labor market, increased organizing efforts and rising inflation.
The starting wage for hourly workers in the United States will rise to $22 (about 1,700 rupees), or more depending on the market, a 45% jump from 2018 levels, Apple said in a statement to Reuters. .
“This year, as part of our annual performance review process, we are increasing our overall compensation budget,” a company spokesperson said.
Apple informed some workers that their annual reviews would be brought forward by three months and the new salary would take effect in early July, said the Wall Street Journal, which first announced the pay changes.
© Thomson Reuters 2022
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