US: IKEA distribution center workers take action for fair wages and rights

Workers at the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville, Maryland, have taken to the picket lines, launching a strike to demand fair wages, seniority rights, and workplace respect. Organised under the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), over 320 members of Local I460, District 4, united in action after rejecting IKEA’s most recent contract proposal on 14 November.

The strike officially began at midnight on 15 November. Following months of unresolved negotiations, the workers made it clear that their voices could no longer be ignored.

Key issues at the heart of the dispute:

• Fair Wages: Workers are demanding salaries that reflect their essential role in IKEA’s operations and keep pace with the rising cost of living.
• Seniority Protections: Ensuring seniority rights safeguards fair treatment and helps prevent favoritism in the workplace.

IAM and IKEA have since entered federal mediation, with talks scheduled for 21 and 22 November. While union members remain open to reaching a fair agreement, the strike underscores their determination to secure better conditions for all.

Outside the Perryville facility, the picket lines are filled with energy and resolve as workers unite in their fight for dignity and respect. With unwavering solidarity, these workers send a powerful message to IKEA: commitments to fair practices must be reflected in actions, not just words, to ensure that the workforce receives just wages and protections.