Tech giant Apple is facing the possibility of its first-ever strike at one of its retail stores in Maryland. The staff at the Apple Store in Towson has voted to authorize a strike against the company, marking a significant development in Apple’s history.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers members at the store voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike after more than a year of negotiations with Apple management that did not lead to satisfactory outcomes. The decision to strike was driven by concerns over work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices, and wages that do not align with the cost of living in the area.

Although no specific date has been set for the strike, the move signals the employees’ collective demand for meaningful change within the company. This action comes as the Apple Store in Maryland became the first to unionize for the company in 2022, highlighting the growing push for employee rights and representation.

In a letter addressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook in 2022, the Apple store employees in Maryland emphasized that their decision to unionize was motivated by their dedication to their jobs and the desire to have a voice in company operations. They expressed the need for collaboration and urged Cook to work together with employees to address their concerns and improve working conditions.