IKEA Montreal workers secure wage hikes in new contract after walkout

IKEA Montreal workers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new four-year collective agreement that includes wage increases above inflation, retroactive to Jan. 1.

The agreement, approved Sunday evening by 80 per cent of union members, follows a three-day walkout in May.

“The employer has come to understand that its previous wage offer was unsatisfactory. Everyone has the right to maintain their purchasing power. IKEA Montreal is the most successful store in terms of sales in Canada and that’s partly thanks to us,” said Élie Zetrenne, president of the IKEA Montreal-CSN union.

In addition to across-the-board wage increases, the new deal includes seniority-based raises aligning pay with other warehouse stores in the region. The agreement also improves group insurance coverage and work schedules, including more weekend holidays.

“With this three-day walkout, IKEA workers have shown that a strike can make all the difference. Thanks to the mobilization, they managed to obtain justice for all. This is a great example of the importance of our right to strike,” said Serge Monette, president of the Fédération du commerce-CSN.

“The IKEA Montreal store is making huge profits, it’s the least they can do to give their staff a competitive salary. There are employees who have chosen to pursue a career at IKEA because they love their job. They have the right to live with dignity,” said Bertrand Guibord, president of the Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain-CSN.