Organizing Update

Apple

Apple retail workers at the Penn Square Mall store in Oklahoma City voted overwhelmingly to join CWA on Friday, becoming the second group of Apple retail workers to win union representation in the U.S. The workers include Apple salespeople, genius admins, technicians, creatives, and operations specialists.

“I was on the organizing committee which just won the second Apple election in the U.S. My dad is a proud member of IUE-CWA battling for a fair contract right now with General Electric (GE) in Oklahoma and my mom was a proud union member too. Solidarity with Apple and GE workers everywhere. One union one fight,” said Laurel Agee, a member of the Apple Retail Workers/CWA. CWA District 6 members are excited to welcome their newest members at Apple, who will be members of CWA Local 6016 in Oklahoma City.

“Apple workers are determined to organize for better wages and dignity on the job. Despite Apple's illegal and aggressive anti-union campaign, Apple retail workers across the country will continue to organize, especially after this momentous victory,” said CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens. “The Penn Square Apple retail workers are an amazing addition to our growing labor movement, and we are thrilled to welcome them as CWA members.”

Apple retail workers at the Penn Square Mall store in Oklahoma City voted overwhelmingly to join CWA.

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ActBlue

Tech workers at ActBlue, a nonprofit technology organization that enables progressive groups and individuals to raise funds, won voluntary recognition from the company after Kristen Gonzalez, a candidate for the New York State Senate and tech worker, conducted a neutral third party verification and confirmed that a majority of eligible workers have signed union authorization cards. The 80 workers, who will be members of CWA Local 1400, plan to promptly begin negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement with management. Read more here.

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Maximus

Last week, CWA filed a series of unfair labor practice charges on behalf of workers at Maximus, a multi-billion dollar corporation and the largest federal call center contractor. The workers, who answer calls for 1-800-Medicare and assist American consumers with Affordable Care Act Marketplace (ACA) plans, have been organizing with CWA to win improvements in their workplace The charges, which were filed with the National Labor Relations Board, include allegations that in Bogalusa, La., Maximus unlawfully interfered with the right of employees to engage in protected union activities by coercively questioning an employee regarding her union sentiments and union activities, and threatening closure of the worksite if employees were to form a union.

In the lead up to the Medicare and ACA open enrollment periods, the busiest, most critical times for Americans to get their healthcare questions answered by Maximus workers, Maximus is choosing to spend time interfering with its employees’ rights to form a union. “Maximus is attempting to intimidate workers into giving up. They will not succeed. The workers' commitment to fight for a voice on the job remains strong and the support they are receiving from community members, elected officials, and other allies continues to grow. CWA is and will continue to be steadfast in our support of the workers as they continue to fight back and organize their union,” said CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens in a press release announcing the filing of the charges.