Italian Apple Store Workers Strike Amid New iPhone Launch
Apple store workers in Italy staged a mass walkout on Friday to protest working conditions as the company launched its new iPhone 18 Pro. The strike involved over 1,600 employees across 17 stores throughout the country.
The action was orchestrated by trade unions Filcams CGIL, Fisascat CISL, and Uiltucs, which aimed to highlight deteriorating working conditions for retail staff. According to Nicholas Pezze, a Filcams CGIL union representative, 'image is very important' for Apple as a company.
The iPhone 18 Pro was made available worldwide on Friday, with prices starting at €1,489 ($1,710) in Italy. The unions are calling for additional hiring, conversion of fixed-term contracts to permanent positions, and the option for part-time workers to increase their hours if desired.