Apple today notified employees that it is increasing starting pay for hourly workers to a minimum of $22 per hour, and higher in certain markets, reports The Wall Street Journal. This move comes as the company attempts to cope with inflation, a tight labor market, and recent unionization efforts.
The new starting wage represents a 45% increase compared to 2018 and will most prominently affect retail workers. Salaried positions are also expected to see starting increases.
“Supporting and retaining the best team members in the world enables us to deliver the best, most innovative, products and services for our customers,” an Apple spokesman said in a statement. “This year as part of our annual performance review process, we’re increasing our overall compensation budget.”
Retail workers at Apple are seeking to unionize in a small number of stores, seeking higher pay and improved benefits such as expanded vacation time and improved retirement options.
Today, Apple’s head of retail Deirdre O’Brien sent a video message to retail store employees to address those efforts, arguing that while workers’ right to join a union, there could be downsides for workers if they choose to do so.