(PERRYVILLE, MARYLAND) – U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (Democrat-Maryland) is urging management at IKEA’s Perryville Distribution Center to offer a fair contract to its 320 Striking Workers, who are Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local I460 (District 4).

In a letter sent to IKEA, Van Hollen expressed his support for the Striking Workers: “I represent many of the Employees that are affected by these negotiations and whose hard work and dedication have contributed to IKEA’s continued success and made it an important part of our community.  I urge you to negotiate in good faith and come to an agreement that provides just compensation and meets the needs of your Workers, upholds your corporate values centered on empowering the IKEA Workforce and ensures excellent service for customers.”

IAM Local I460 Members began their Strike on November 15th after voting against IKEA’s proposed contract offer.  Critical issues in the dispute include IAM Members seeking wages that keep pace with the cost of living and reflect their contributions to IKEA’s success - and the protection of Seniority Rights to ensure fair treatment and prevent favoritism. 

“Our Members are the backbone of the IKEA Distribution Center,” IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan said. “They deserve a contract that reflects their hard work, years of service and dedication.  The IAM will provide the necessary resources to ensure our Members in Perryville get the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The IAM and IKEA met with a Federal Mediator on November 21st and 22nd to resolve the dispute and reach a fair agreement, but failed to yield progress.

Then on November 25th, the IAM filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) with the National Labor Relations Board over an incident on the Strike line, which resulted in an IAM Leader being arrested - but later released with a minor citation.

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen Stands in Support of Striking IAM Union Members at Maryland IKEA Facility - IAMAW and IAM Files Unfair Labor Practice Amidst IKEA Management’s Heavy-Handed Police Tactics During Strike - IAMAW