Apple to cut working hours for retail staff, Microsoft open to unionisation

Apple has agreed to make work schedules at its retail stores more flexible, according to employees with knowledge of the plans, part of a push to improve conditions in the face of unionisation efforts.

The company informed staff at some stores that scheduling changes will take effect in the coming months, according to the workers, who asked to not to be identified because the plans aren’t public.

Some retail employees have voiced their frustrations with managers and labour groups about their schedules, and Apple’s retail chief recently signaled that changes could be coming.

“I am deeply committed to making Apple the best it could be for you, from scheduling to pay and benefits to development to the experience and environment in the stores,” Deirdre O’Brien told staff in a recent video message.

The company is planning the following changes, according to the employees: A minimum of 12 hours in between shifts, an increase from the current minimum of 10 hours.

A maximum of three days per week when employees can work past 8 pm, unless they choose to work late shifts.