Asks for more hours instead of hiring

Apple has begun demanding more hours from both its full- and part-time retail staff, sources tell ifoAppleStore. While full-time employees are, for instance, currently expected to work at least one weekend day per week -- normally meaning Saturday or Sunday -- Apple is reportedly adding Friday to its definition of the weekend, and insisting that full-timers work two out of three days. Creatives, Geniuses, and Family Room and Red Zone Specialists are affected.

Part-time workers are being required to offer a higher minimum number of hours, up from 16 to 24. Because the new full- and part-time schedules may conflict with existing commitments, especially those on weekends, Apple is said to be trying to accommodate time-off requests as long as they're made three weeks in advance. The new hours are anticipated to take effect April 15th.

ifo's sources explain that the extra hours are linked to growing store traffic; some stores have allegedly seen traffic double every year for the past four years. The result has been a heavy strain, which a widespread increase in hours could help. At the same time, some workers may be forced to quit Apple because of interference with family, school, or other jobs.

by MacNN Staff