The threat of a strike had been on the table for several days already, while negotiations between management and union representatives were in full swing. Tuesday, Libération reported that a strike should take place on Friday September 22, the day of the release of the iPhone 15, in French Apple Stores.
The long-awaited release of the iPhone 15 could experience some disruption in France. And for good reason, Libération revealed on Tuesday September 19 that the staff representatives of the Apple Stores announced two days of strike following an unsuccessful meeting between management and union delegates. Failing to have found compromises, particularly on wages, French Apple Stores are expected to close their doors on Friday September 22 and Saturday September 23, 2023. A strike that comes at a bad time when we know that the release of the new iPhone from the Apple brand is scheduled for…September 22! A demonstration must also be organized at Place de l’Opéra, in Paris, where one of the Apple Stores is located.
From there to shaking up the entire release of the iPhone 15? Not necessarily. Because a priori, only Apple Stores should close shop. Telephone operators (Orange, SFR, etc.) should thus be able to sell the new phone without worry. Likewise, it should also be possible to order your iPhone 15 on the Internet and have it delivered directly to your home. Note, however, that if the strike is planned for two days at this stage, the union representatives do not rule out an extension of the movement to other weekends if no agreement is reached. Enough to somewhat paralyze sales of the iPhone 15.
If management would have let them know that the employees were “well off at Apple”, Albin Voulfow, CFDT national delegate at Apple Retail, told Libération that “with inflation and the complicated period for employees, [he has everything similarly been] decided to make ourselves seen and speak about our demands.” Because the question of salary increases is indeed the crux of the matter. While the inter-union is demanding a 7% increase, management is trying to negotiate 4.5%, in addition to an additional euro on the meal ticket. Other demands are also on the table, namely an end to the recruitment freeze in stores, a redefinition of the group’s long-term strategic vision as well as an alignment of company benefits for all employees, lists Libération.
