PERRYVILLE, Md. — Operations at the IKEA distribution Center in Perryville have been upended, thanks to a labor strike.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge I460, District 4, represents about 320 workers at the distribution center.
On November 14 the union voted against IKEA's proposed contract, prompting a midnight walkout.
“Our members are the backbone of the IKEA distribution center,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “They deserve a contract that reflects their hard work, years of service, and dedication."
Sullivan is disputing two critical issues — fair wages and increased rights for senior workers.
“The seniority issue was discussed at the beginning of the contract and we don’t feel like we need the changes proposed by IKEA," said Mark Bittner, President of IAM Local Lodge I460.
According to their website, the distribution center is staffed with 550 people responsible for transporting products to 39 IKEA stores throughout the United States and Canada.
WMAR-2 News asked IKEA how the strike could impact available inventory and customer orders including delivery and pickup times.
While not directly addressing our question, IKEA issued this statement confirming the distribution center would continue operating during the strike.
"[IKEA] respects the free choice and right to strike of our co-workers. We also respect the right of co-workers to work," said Catherine Segar, IKEA's U.S. PR Manager. "IKEA Perryville and the IAM Local Lodge I-460 were unable to reach an agreement at this time, and the union has elected to strike. In the meantime, the IKEA Perryville distribution center will continue to operate. If co-workers wish to work for IKEA Perryville during the strike, we will allow them to do so consistent with the law."
The union and IKEA are meeting with a mediator on November 21 and November 23 to continue labor negotiations.
