RAFFWU members at Apple Charlestown begin taking national strike action, 2022. My overall experience with bargaining was very mixed. Fighting for a greater cause with like-minded people to help improve my fellow colleagues lives was an incredible feeling. Being apart of an important movement, and more than that, a successful important movement, was truly an amazing feeling. However, seeing so many of my managers and even some of the aforementioned colleagues respond so negatively towards what I felt was such a just cause was very disheartening. The steps that Apple, and in particular, my management structure, took to try and persuade people away from fighting for their rights was disappointing. To see a company, and so many people — who had told me so many times before that they believed in standing up for what was right only to turn their backs on us when we asked for better working conditions — was equal parts surprising and saddening. On the flip side, I was also surprised by who came out in support. There were people I worked with who I thought for sure would be totally ambivalent, or worse, who ended up being strong believers and fighters during bargaining. Shout out to the workers at Sephora for cheering for us when we walked out. I’ll never forget that. The support we received from RAFFWU was invaluable, and the donations we received were truly amazing to see. Even if there wasn’t always a strong sense of unity in my store, I did feel it from all the support we received from others outside the store. Ultimately, this is the reason why we were successful. Morale is important and without the support from those around me and those outside, I don’t know if we would have gone as far as we did. You never know what you’re capable of until you start. Kendal Clausen, Past Member at Apple Charlestown 8 In the last issue of Action, we celebrated the first ever national retail strikes in Australian history, with Apple workers across the country who were members of RAFFWU striking and implementing industrial action. The action of members fought off rotten deals and forced the company to make better proposals. Our action secured the following conditions, but it should have been far better. Unfortunately those not prepared to act ended up selling out. Every single better condition is thanks to RAFFWU member action and we are now helping members implement their new rights. Key wins due to action: $29.23 minimum hourly base rate (up from $24.60 in 2022) Wage increases for everyone (previously only ¼ would have guaranteed wage increases) De-casualising work with mostly set rosters (but still not properly set) Minimum guaranteed hours for part-time workers of 15 hours 150% penalty rate on Saturday Evening and overnight penalty rates Additional paid leave (but not for fixed term employees) Better overtime rights including overtime pay for all extra part-time hours APPLE CAMPAIGN The Apple campaign ends after a huge year of action.
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