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MILAN, Sept 18: Italian Apple store employees went on strike over their working conditions on Friday, the launch day for the new iPhone18 Pro, \u200bthe latest version of the US tech giant\u2019s flagship \u200csmartphone.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Filcams CGIL, Fiascast CISL and Uiltucs trade unions said their members would refuse to work for the whole day and picket outside Apple\u2019s flagship stores \u200bin Rome, Milan and other major cities.<\/p>\n More than 1,600 employees \u200bin 17 Apple stores were concerned by the strike, \u2060Fiascast CISL said.<\/p>\n An Apple spokesperson said its outlets would operate normally.<\/p>\n \u201cOur \u200bretail and online stores are open today, and we are excited \u200bto welcome our customers as usual,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n Sales of the iPhone 18 Pro launched worldwide on Friday. It was presented last week along with the Duo, \u200bApple\u2019s first foldable smartphone, which is due to hit the \u200bmarket on October 23.<\/p>\n In Italy, retail prices for the iPhone 18 Pro will start \u200cfrom \u20ac1,489 ($1,710), \u2060according to Apple\u2019s online store.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cDiscussions with staff highlighted a worsening \u200bin working conditions \u2026 \u200bwithout adequate \u2060attention being paid to employees\u2019 well-being,\u201d Filcams CGIL said.<\/p>\n The unions are demanding that more employees be hired, \u200bthe moving of fixed-term employees onto permanent contracts, and \u200bthat \u2060part-time staff be given the option of working longer hours if they so wish.<\/p>\n Apple\u2019s spokesperson said the company was \u201cproud to offer industry-leading compensation and \u2060benefits\u201d, \u200bpointing to its private medical, dental and \u200bvision coverage as well as its mental health and wellness support programme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n