Italian Apple Employees Strike Over Working Conditions on iPhone18 Pro Launch Day

Italian Apple store employees went on strike on Friday, the launch day for the new iPhone18 Pro. The walkout was over concerns about working conditions and job descriptions that are increasingly focused on customer care.

The strike involved more than 1,600 employees at 17 Apple stores across Italy, according to Fiascast CISL. Employees with Filcams CGIL, Fiascast CISL, and Uiltucs trade unions refused to work for the whole day and picketed outside Apple's flagship stores in Rome, Milan, and other major cities.

Apple spokesperson said that its outlets would operate normally despite the strike, stating, 'Our retail and online stores are open today, and we are excited to welcome our customers as usual.'

The new iPhone18 Pro launched worldwide on Friday, with prices starting from €1,489 ($1,710) in Italy. The unions are demanding that more employees be hired, fixed-term employees be moved onto permanent contracts, and part-time staff have the option of working longer hours if they wish.