In a groundbreaking move, Apple has reached a tentative collective bargaining contract with the first-ever unionized company store in the United States. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers' Coalition of Organized Retail Employees, representing employees at a retail location in Maryland, announced on Friday evening that they had struck a three-year deal with Apple.

The agreement, which must be approved by approximately 85 employees at the store located in the Baltimore suburb of Towson, includes a significant pay increase averaging around 10%, along with other benefits for the workers. A vote on the proposed contract is scheduled for August 6th.

In a statement, the union's negotiating committee expressed their satisfaction with the tentative agreement, stating that it gives the workers a voice in shaping their future and marks a strong initial step towards further gains. They also expressed hope for continued success in unionizing other Apple stores across the country.

This development comes after workers at the Maryland store, frustrated by a lack of progress in negotiations with management over the past year, authorized a strike back in May. They sought more favorable outcomes and improved working conditions. The Maryland store is one of only two unionized Apple sites in the country, with employees voting in favor of the union in June 2022. The second location in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, also unionized shortly after with the Communications Workers of America but has yet to secure a contract with Apple.

While unions have had notable victories in recent years, such as at an Amazon warehouse in New York City, a Chipotle store in Michigan, and numerous Starbucks locations across the country, many of them have faced challenges in securing contracts.

Apple's decision to reach a tentative collective bargaining contract with the unionized Maryland store demonstrates a significant milestone in the relationship between the tech giant and its employees. It reflects a growing momentum for organized labor within the retail sector and highlights the importance of worker solidarity and representation in shaping fairer working conditions.

As the vote on the proposed contract approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome, eagerly anticipating the potential future impact it may have on the rights and benefits of employees within the Apple store industry.