Apple has raised salaries of retail employees by 2%-10% and will also offer more paid sick leave

IT House reported on February 12 that according to Bloomberg, Apple will give many U.S. retail employees a raise ranging from 2% to 10% depending on the region. Salespeople, technical support staff at genius bars and some senior hourly workers will receive raises.

Apple has raised the wages of its retail employees due to inflation, a tightening labor market and complaints about working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apple announced a pay rise this week at store briefings and individual employee meetings, according to people familiar with the matter. Most of the employees who raised salaries were employees who worked at the company before the outbreak of the epidemic in 2020, and Apple's move aims to allow old employees to better cooperate with new employees.

It's important to note that not all employees will have a raise, and not all retail stores will be notified of the plan.

IT House understands that a representative of Apple declined to comment on the salary increase. The pay rise program will take effect this month. The raise is different from Apple's normal annual raise, which usually takes place in October and coincides with the end of the company's fiscal year.

Bloomberg interviewed two Apple employees who got raises, including a salesperson who got an extra $3 (about 19.11 yuan) an hourly raise to $25 (about 159.25 yuan) an hour; and a maintenance worker who earned $24 an hour (about 152.88 yuan) an hour after a $3 increase.

In addition to the raise, Apple told employees this week that the company will improve employee benefits. Apple now offers 12 days of paid sick leave (previously 6 days), which can be used for mental health leave, illness or taking family members to the doctor.

In addition, Apple has changed the rules for employees to enjoy more vacations per year. Previously, Apple offered additional days off after employees worked for 5 years, and now offers additional days off after employees have worked for 3 years. Part-time employees are now also eligible for leave and up to six weeks of paid parental leave.