Italian Apple Store Staff Strike on iPhone 18 Pro Launch Day Over Working Conditions

Employees at Apple's retail stores across Italy initiated a full-day strike on Friday, strategically coinciding with the global launch of the new iPhone 18 Pro. The labor action, organized by several major trade unions, protests what they describe as deteriorating working conditions for the company's retail staff.

Union Demands and Strike Details

The strike involves more than 1,600 employees across Apple's 17 stores in Italy, according to the Fiascast CISL trade union. The Filcams CGIL, Fiascast CISL, and Uiltucs unions called for the walkout, with plans to picket outside flagship locations in major cities like Milan and Rome.

Unions argue that new product launches, such as the iPhone 18 Pro, increase the workload on retail staff whose roles are increasingly focused on customer care. In a statement, Filcams CGIL cited a "worsening in working conditions... without adequate attention being paid to employees’ well-being."

Key demands from the unions include:

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• Hiring more employees to manage workloads.
• Moving staff on fixed-term contracts to permanent positions.
• Providing part-time workers the option to increase their hours.

Apple's Response and Market Context

Apple has stated that it expects its retail operations to continue without interruption. An Apple spokesperson told Reuters that its "retail and online stores are open today, and we are excited to welcome our customers as usual." The company also defended its employment practices, stating it is "proud to offer industry-leading compensation and benefits."

The strike is timed for maximum impact, as the iPhone 18 Pro launched worldwide on Friday. In Italy, the new device has a starting retail price of €1,489 (approximately $1,710). The labor disruption occurs as Apple also prepares to launch its first foldable smartphone, the Duo, on October 23.