Italian Apple Store Employees Strike as iPhone 18 Pro Launches
Italian Apple store employees took to the streets on Friday to protest their working conditions, coinciding with the launch of the new iPhone 18 Pro. The strike, which is being held in 17 stores across Italy, was organized by three trade unions: Filcams CGIL, Fisascat CISL, and Uiltucs. According to the unions, over 1,600 employees are concerned about their working conditions, which they claim have worsened in recent times.
The workers are demanding better job security, including more permanent contracts for fixed-term employees and the option for part-time staff to work longer hours if they wish. They also want Apple to hire more employees to alleviate workload pressures. In response to the strike, an Apple spokesperson said that its stores would operate as usual on Friday, with customers welcome as normal.
The iPhone 18 Pro was launched worldwide on Friday, including in Italy where it will retail from €1,489 ($1,710). The device's launch coincided with the unveiling of Apple's first foldable smartphone, the Duo, which is due to hit the market on October 23. Apple has defended its treatment of employees, pointing to its industry-leading compensation and benefits package.
The strike was seen as a strategic move by the unions to draw attention to their demands, with one union representative noting that 'image is very important' for Apple as a company. The protest outside Apple's flagship store in Milan's city centre drew dozens of workers waving red flags and making noise with whistles and rattlers.