Bloomberg reports that Apple is giving raises to many of its U.S.-based retail employees. The raises will range from two percent to 10 percent, depending on the employees’ locations. The pay increases are going to sales staff, Genius Bar staff, and some senior hourly workers.
The pay increases are said to be due to inflation, the tightening labor market, and complaints from staff about pandemic-related working conditions.
The pay increases were announced earlier this week, both during store briefings and individual meetings with employees, says Bloomberg. Not all employees will be receiving a raise in pay, and most of those receiving raises have been with the company since before 2020.
While not all stores have been notified of the pay increases, they will take effect in February and are separate from the annual raises that are given in October. Bloomberg says two Apple employees it contacted told it that they were receiving pay increases, with a salesperson receiving an extra $3 per hour to put them at $25 per hour, while a worker who handles repairs is now receiving $24 per hour following a $3 per hour raise.
Apple also told employees that it is introducing improved benefits, now offering 12 paid sick days, up from six. The days can be used for illness, mental health days, or taking family members to the doctor.
The company also changed when employees are eligible for increases in the number of annual vacation days. Apple had offered additional vacation days to employees with five years of employment, but will now provide additional days after three years of employment. Part-time employees are also now eligible for vacation days and can receive up to six weeks of paid parental leave.
A representative for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment on the raises.
