The Italy Apple Store strike took place on Friday as workers walked out on the same day the iPhone 18 Pro went on sale worldwide. The protest involved more than 1,600 employees across 17 Apple stores, according to Fisascat CISL.
The unions Filcams CGIL, Fisascat CISL and Uiltucs called the full-day strike. Workers also planned pickets outside major Apple stores in cities including Rome and Milan.
In Milan, employees gathered outside Apple’s flagship store as customers arrived for the new iPhone. The unions chose the launch date because Apple stores face some of their busiest trading periods when new products reach customers.
Apple, however, said its retail and online stores remained open. The company said it was ready to welcome customers as usual.
Workers demand better staffing and contracts
The unions say Apple retail workers face rising workloads and growing pressure. They also argue that staff roles have become increasingly unclear as employees handle more customer service tasks.
Filcams CGIL said discussions with workers showed worsening conditions and insufficient attention to employee well-being. The unions want Apple to increase staffing across its stores.
They also want the company to move more fixed-term employees into permanent positions. In addition, they are asking Apple to give part-time workers the option to increase their hours when they want to work more.
The unions say workers have faced these concerns for months. National assemblies on September 7 helped push the dispute toward Friday’s strike.
Apple defends pay and employee benefits
Apple rejected the suggestion that it does not support its retail workforce.
A company spokesperson said Apple was proud to offer industry-leading compensation and benefits. The package includes private medical, dental and vision coverage, along with mental health and wellness support.
Apple also said its retail and online stores were operating normally during the strike.
As a result, the dispute now puts attention on working conditions inside Apple’s Italian retail network while the company promotes its latest products.
iPhone 18 Pro launches in Italy
The iPhone 18 Pro went on sale worldwide on Friday after Apple introduced it last week. In Italy, prices for the new model start at €1,489, according to Apple’s online store.
Apple also introduced the Duo alongside the new iPhone. The company describes it as its first foldable smartphone, with its market launch scheduled for October 23.
For Apple employees, however, Friday’s launch brought a different focus. While customers lined up for the company’s latest devices, workers used the occasion to raise concerns about staffing, contracts and workloads.
The unions have now put those issues directly in the spotlight. The next stage will depend on how Apple and the worker representatives handle the dispute after the launch-day walkout.
