Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Fearful Apple Trains All New Retail Managers on 'Union Awareness': SFist:

In an effort to quiet union tinkering by Apple store employees, something that almost happened earlier this year, all new Apple store managers must take "union awareness" classes starting today. In a company document obtained by CNET, the Cupertino, California-based company posted curious information about a training course that reeks of anti-unionization. Behold:

"This course is intended to provide managers with a practical understanding of how unions affect the workplace, how and why employees organize, and the legal do's and don'ts of dealing with unions," the training description reads. "This is a mandatory class for all new managers, and is required biannually for all managers."

The posting adds that the course "is a great opportunity to meet our legal team and ask any questions you may have."

Apple store employees, like many retail workers, have complained of long hours and low pay. They're also beholden to unique sect-like rules. For example, "the constant threat of censure for something as trivial as saying 'unfortunately' too much."