Representing unions Apples workers in France have taken a stand by calling for a strike just days before the much-anticipated launch of the iPhone 15. The move comes as workers demand improvements in their pay and working conditions.
Paris, France – As the tech world eagerly awaits the launch of the iPhone 15, a strike by Apple employees in France is raising concerns about the company’s labor relations. Workers affiliated with multiple unions, including CGT, Unsa, CFDT and Cidre-CFTC, have jointly called for a two-day strike, which will take place on September 22 and 23, to coincide with the release of the iPhone 15.
The strike has also had a knock-on effect on Apple’s supply chain, with some suppliers reportedly delaying the shipment of parts to the company’s factories in China. This could lead to shortages of iPhones and other Apple products in the coming weeks.
The company has so far resisted calls for major changes to its labor practices, but the strike in France could put further pressure on Apple to address its workers’ concerns.
What do the employees ask?
The main demands of the striking workers revolve around wage and hiring practices. The unions have asked for a 7% pay increase to combat the effects of inflation and to end the ongoing hiring freeze. However, Apple management is reluctant to meet these demands, offering a maximum increase of 4.5%, according to union officials.
In a statement on the social media platform strike on September 22 and 23.” The call for a strike also received support from representatives of Apple France’s business division and Apple’s Barcelona team in Spain.
To underline their message, the unions called on employees to take part in a demonstration on Friday morning at Opera Garnier, located next to Apple’s flagship store in Paris. It’s worth noting that Apple has a total of twenty stores in France, nine of which are in the Paris region alone, including three in central Paris, and two in Lyon. Other cities with Apple stores are Marseille, Lille and Strasbourg.
A union official from CGT Apple Retail highlighted workers’ frustration, saying: “On Tuesday we had a conference call with Apple’s European bosses. They basically said, ‘You’re doing pretty well, don’t complain.’”
This strike follows a recent decision by the French government to suspend sales of iPhone 12 phones due to alleged violations of radiation exposure limits. Apple responded by promising to update the software on iPhone 12s in France to fix the problem. However, concerns in other European countries indicate that similar actions may be needed elsewhere.
As the strike unfolds, it raises questions about the impact on Apple’s operations in France and the potential for further labor disputes among the tech giant’s global workforce. Apple’s response to these demands and the resolution of the strike will be closely watched, with potential consequences for the company’s image and its relationship with its employees.