More than 1,600 Apple retail workers in Italy walked off the job at all 17 stores during the iPhone 18 Pro launch in a one-day strike coordinated by Filcams CGIL, Fisascat CISL and Uiltucs. The unions demanded conversion of fixed-term contracts to permanent roles, a formal hiring plan and more hours for part-timers. Apple kept stores open and highlighted its benefits package but did not respond directly to the contract and staffing demands. The action is part of ongoing negotiations and could influence upcoming bargaining rounds.
Over 1,600 Apple Retail Workers Walk Out Across Italy During iPhone 18 Pro Launch
Image: Deposit Photos
More than 1,600 Apple retail employees in Italy staged a one-day walkout Friday, refusing to clock in at all 17 Apple stores across the country on the day customers queued for the iPhone 18 Pro, according to Reuters. The three unions coordinating the action — Filcams CGIL, Fisascat CISL and Uiltucs — said the timing was chosen deliberately to amplify the protest’s visibility given Apple’s sensitivity to public image.
Unions organized pickets outside flagship stores in Rome, Milan and other major cities. Workers stayed off the clock for the full day to press management for changes to how Apple staffs and hires in Italy.
Unions’ demands include converting fixed-term contracts into permanent roles, adopting a formal hiring plan at company level, and offering expanded hours to part-time employees who want additional shifts. Filcams CGIL argues that workloads and productivity targets have increased while staffing levels have largely remained flat, Reuters reported.
"For Apple as a company, image is very important," Nicholas Pezze of Filcams CGIL told Reuters, explaining why the unions timed the action with the product launch.
The strike is part of ongoing negotiations to renew the company-level agreement that governs staffing, shift patterns, contract types and pay for Apple Retail Italia. Union leaders described the walkout as an escalation within an active bargaining process, not a breakdown in talks.
Apple said its Italian retail and online stores remained open and that it was "excited to welcome our customers as usual," pointing to its existing compensation and benefits — including medical, dental, vision and mental health coverage — as evidence of its investment in employees. The company did not publicly address the unions' specific demands on contract structure or staffing levels, Reuters added.
Wider Context and What Comes Next
Labor actions among Apple retail staff timed to coincide with high-profile product launches have been seen elsewhere in Europe. While the operational disruption appeared limited on launch day, the move applied reputational pressure and could shape upcoming negotiations. The outcome of talks to renew the Apple Retail Italia agreement will determine whether this was a single, highly visible statement or the start of a sustained campaign.
What to watch: the next round of bargaining sessions and any shift in Apple’s offers on contract conversions, hiring plans and part-time hours for the more than 1,600 workers covered by the company agreement.
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