Following Apple's decision to close its first unionized store, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board regarding unfair labor practices. Here are the details.

Apple is accused of union busting

Earlier this month, Apple announced the decision to close three stores: Apple Towson Town Center (MD) in Towson, Apple North County (CA) in Escondido, and Apple Trumbull (CT) in Trumbull.

The company stated that the decision for these three stores was made due to the separation of other retailers in the shopping centers where the stores are located and declining conditions.

After the news broke, the decision to close Apple Towson Town Center became the most notable issue, as it was the first unionized Apple retail store in the U.S.

Additionally, while Apple indicated that employees at the Trumbull and North County stores could continue their roles at nearby locations, it stated that Towson employees would have the “right to apply for open positions at Apple under the collective bargaining agreement.”

In response, the IAM Union expressed that this move raised “serious concerns” that the closure aimed to “bust the union.” The IAM Union also stated that it would “explore all legal options and work with elected officials and allies to hold Apple accountable.”

Today, the IAM Union submitted a complaint regarding unfair labor practices to the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Apple of discriminating against Towson employees by not allowing them to transition to other locations.

From the complaint document:

On April 9, 2026, Apple announced that it would close its store at Towson Town Center […]. Since that date, Apple has denied the Towson employees represented by IAM access to transfer rights and other opportunities afforded to unrepresented employees affected by store closures at other locations. Through these and other actions taken because of protected activities, Apple has discriminated against employees represented by IAM in terms of employment conditions to prevent them from exercising their rights.

In addition to the complaint, the IAM Union held a press conference earlier today, calling on Apple to “change its course and treat Towson employees fairly.”

IAM Union International President Brian Bryant added:

“This is a matter of whether workers are treated fairly under the law or punished for exercising their rights. […] Apple is refusing to provide the same opportunities to workers represented by the union that it offers to others — and it does this because these workers chose to organize. This is discrimination, and it is precisely what federal labor laws aim to prevent.”

You can read the IAM Union's complaint regarding unfair labor practices below:

Charge-Apr-27-26Download