A union representing near 400 staff at Ikea’s Montreal retailer walked off the job early Saturday, saying the Swedish firm’s proposed wage deal supplied no safety from inflation.
The CSN union stated in a press release that Ikea has supplied its members a 5 per cent wage improve over the subsequent 4 years, however members rejected it as a result of that gained’t even cowl inflation through the contract interval.
Union members arrange pickets exterior the shop Saturday morning, saying they need a greater supply and catch-up wages corresponding to staff at different Ikea shops they didn’t identify.
The Montreal strike coincides with Ikea’s large annual gross sales occasion, known as the Hej Days sale.
“IKEA’s funds are wholesome. The corporate makes tons of of thousands and thousands of {dollars} in gross sales every year, largely due to our work, and it’s unable to supply us inflation safety to keep up our buying energy,” Nicole Aguilera, the union’s basic vice-president, stated within the assertion.
The unionized Ikea staff presently earn between $18.50 and $25.42 an hour. A CSN spokesperson declined to reveal what the union has requested by way of pay will increase.
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The employees on the Ikea Montreal retailer, situated on Cavendish close to Autoroute 40, have been with no contract since January. The strike goals to spotlight their dedication to get a greater deal.
“With all of the earnings the corporate makes, it’s the least it will probably do to pay its workers a aggressive wage. There are workers who’ve chosen to pursue a profession at IKEA as a result of they love the corporate. They love their work; it’s the least they’ll do to make sure they’ve a good residing,” stated Serge Monette, president of the Fédération du commerce–CSN.
Managers on the Montreal Ikea retailer saved its doorways open to the general public however closed seven departments inside, together with the Swedish restaurant, a bistro, the kitchen planning division and the children’ enjoyable room.
In-store returns, the press and pickup service, and supply service have been additionally briefly suspended till additional discover, the corporate stated in a press release on its web site.
Ikea apologized for the inconvenience the labour battle could trigger and thanked consumers for his or her endurance and understanding.
“We assist and stand by our co-workers of their proper to strike and stay devoted to achieve a collective settlement, and to renew common retailer operations as quickly as attainable,” the corporate added.
Different Ikea shops within the province, in Boucherville and Quebec Metropolis, have been unaffected. Ikea operates 16 shops in Canada. It’s a part of the Ingka Group, which has 473 Ikea shops in 31 nations.
© 2025 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
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