Italian Apple store employees strike on iPhone18 Pro launch day

MILAN, Sept 18 : Italian Apple store employees went on strike over their working conditions on Friday, the launch day for the new iPhone18 Pro, the latest version of the US tech giant's flagship smartphone.

The Filcams CGIL, Fiascast CISL and Uiltucs trade unions said their members would refuse to work for the whole day and picket outside Apple's flagship stores in Rome, Milan and other major cities. 

More than 1,600 employees in 17 Apple stores were concerned by the strike, Fiascast CISL said. 

An Apple spokesperson said its outlets would operate normally.

"Our retail and online stores are open today, and we are excited to welcome our customers as usual," the spokesperson said.

Sales of the iPhone 18 Pro launched worldwide on Friday. It was presented last week along with the Duo, Apple's first foldable smartphone, which is due to hit the market on October 23. 

In Italy, retail prices for the iPhone 18 Pro will start from €1,489 ($1,710), according to Apple's online store. 

Unions said the new iPhone launches entailed more work for Apple retail staff whose job descriptions are increasingly confusing and geared towards providing customer care.

"Discussions with staff highlighted a worsening in working conditions ... without adequate attention being paid to employees' well-being," Filcams CGIL said.

The unions are demanding that more employees be hired, the moving of fixed-term employees onto permanent contracts, and that part-time staff be given the option of working longer hours if they so wish. 

Apple's spokesperson said the company was "proud to offer industry-leading compensation and benefits", pointing to its private medical, dental and vision coverage as well as its mental health and wellness support programme.