In their defense, most Apple employees are paid in stocks and share buybacks likely increases their compensation more than directly increasing their compensation.
Are rank-and-file (not engineering) employees of Apple compensated in enough stock that buybacks are really worth that much? I highly doubt it. And even then, until those shares are sold they are subject to the whims of the market. Paper millionaire status doesn't mean shit if you can barely afford to pay rent.
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush...
SWEs at Apple are not "barely able to afford rent"
I'm not talking about SWEs. Who cares about them. I am talking about Apple Store employees, or the dudes behind the 'genius' bar, or Jill from marketing
Considering many shareholders are not employees, how could giving money (/increasing share price through stock buybacks) for shareholders affect employees compensation more than directly giving it to the employees?