Unions urge workers to reject ‘rotten’ Apple deal

Tech giant accused of trying to coerce Australian workers into backing an agreement that does not guarantee wage rises that keep pace with the cost of living.

Apple’s proposed agreement offers workers a guaranteed increase in base pay rates of 2.8 per cent next year and 2.6 per cent in 2024 and 2025. Picture: AP

Apple has been accused of unilaterally ending negotiations with unions and trying to coerce workers into accepting a new enterprise agreement that does not guarantee wage rises that keep pace with the cost of living.

The technology giant’s proposed agreement offers workers a guaranteed increase in base pay rates of 2.8 per cent next year and 2.6 per cent in 2024 and 2025.

Apple says its base rates are at least 17 per cent above the legal minimum and workers can receive further pay rises through its “regular compensation review”, although these increases are not guaranteed.

Australian Services Union national assistant secretary Emeline Gaske said Apple presented the union with a draft agreement and unilaterally ended negotiations, “saying that our claims had been rejected, while refusing to allow the union to provide any feedback on their new draft”.

“The draft agreement that Apple has put forward does not satisfactorily address many key issues raised by employees, including rostering for work/life balance, guaranteed pay increases that match the increased cost of living, classifications that allow for career progression and pay transparency,” she said.

“Apple employees are deeply unhappy and concerned with Apple’s handling of the enterprise bargaining process, which has included obligatory information sessions where employees feel pressured to vote ‘yes’ to an agreement they do not support.

“We encourage all Apple employees to vote ‘no’ to the substandard enterprise bargaining agreement Apple is seeking to rush through.”

Apple rejected union claims that workers could be forced to work up to 60 hours a week without overtime. It says weekend penalties are being extended to employees “at various levels” and late night penalties will be paid to retail employees after 8pm.

An Apple spokesman said the company deeply valued its nearly 4000 staff in Australia.

“Our people are our soul and we’re committed to providing the best possible experience, including very strong compensation and benefits, annual stock grants and comprehensive leave policies, all of which exceed Australian industry standards,” he said.

Gerard Dwyer, national secretary the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, said: “Apple likes to present itself as a ‘hip’ corporate citizen, but when it comes to the working conditions of its staff, it behaves like a cheap bully in a cheap suit.”

“Misleading bargaining representatives and then surprising them with a take it or leave it offer is simply un-Australian,” he said. “Apple cannot be trusted.”