Apple is planning to change the working schedule and terms for some of its positions in an attempt to get ahead of the unionization efforts. While the company has recently been on hot fire because of the union, the Cupertino giant is planning to make adjustments as soon as possible.

Apple is Planning to Introduce a More Flexible Working Schedule

According to the story by Apple Insider, Apple's efforts toward providing flexible work schedules are geared mostly toward retail employees. The Cupertino giant has already started informing its staff at certain stores regarding the work schedule changes.

To be clear, the new work schedules won't go into effect right away as some of the changes are expected to go into effect in a matter of weeks while others might not be able to experience them until later in the year.

Time In Between Employee Shifts is Increased from 10 to 12 Hours

The article by Bloomberg details the different changes Apple employees are expected to experience. One of the most notable changes is that the minimum 10 hours in between shifts will be expanded to 12 hours.

Aside from this, employees can work past 8 PM for a maximum of three days per week. This is unless the employees themselves choose to work late shifts.

Maximum Amount of Employee Working Days Reduced from Six to Five

The maximum amount of time that an employee can work in a row will be changed from its previous six days to now just five days. It was noted, however, that exemptions could still happen during holidays or product launches.

The article by Apple Insider says that Apple is preparing to battle unionization efforts while the retooling benefits are starting to roll out. The Cupertino giant is gearing up for unionization efforts that could happen across different US retail locations.

Employee Starting Wage Now Up to $22 Per Hour

Earlier this year, in February, Apple announced that it planned to give employees in retail locations raises. In May, the Cupertino giant said that they are increasing the retail employee starting wage up to $22 per hour.

Atlanta employees were initially set to hold a union vote but decided to withdraw it later on. The labor group, which is representing the retail staff, is citing allegations against Apple for certain "illegal union-busting tactics."

Read Also: Apple Shifts iPad Production to Vietnam, Leaving China Due to Supply Issues

Apple Retail Chief Gives Statement Regarding the Company's Plans

As noted by Bloomberg, some retail employees were starting to voice out their frustrations when it came to managers and labor groups about the schedules. In response to this, Apple's retail chief shared the company's upcoming changes.

Apple's senior vice president of Retail + People, Deirdre O'Brien, said that they are "deeply committed" to making the company the best place for the people. The statement mentioned improvements when it came to scheduling, pay, and benefits.

The one of the goals, as described, was to develop the "experience and environment in the stores."

Related Article: Apple Workers in Georgia Drop Bid For Union Vote, Claiming They Are Intimidated By The Company

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Written by Urian B.