Perryville, MD, Nov. 15, 2024—Approximately 320 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local Lodge I460, District 4, working at the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville, Maryland, began a strike against the employer at midnight on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.
On Thursday, Nov. 14, members voted overwhelmingly against the company’s proposed contract and to commence a strike. IAM Local Lodge I460 members at IKEA seek fair wages, and seniority protections.
“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. The IAM will provide the necessary resources to ensure our members in Perryville get the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Critical issues in the dispute include:
- Wages: IAM Local I460 members seek wages that keep pace with the cost of living and reflect their contributions to IKEA’s success.
- Seniority: IAM Local I460 members want to protect seniority rights to ensure fair treatment and prevent favoritism.
“Our members have been upfront about wanting a fair contract that addresses seniority and fair wages from the beginning,” said Mark Bittner, President of IAM Local Lodge I460. “The seniority issue was discussed at the beginning of the contract and we don’t feel like we need the changes proposed by IKEA.”
The IAM has been working to build public support for its cause and is encouraging community members to join workers on the picket line.
“This strike is a stand for fairness and respect,” said IAM District 4 Directing Business Representative Jay Wadleigh. “Our members work tirelessly to keep IKEA’s supply chain moving smoothly, and it’s only right that they receive a contract that acknowledges their vital role in IKEA’s success. We are united in our fight for a fair deal that honors their commitment and seniority.”
IAM Local I460 members will be on the picket line outside the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville.
“Our members are not asking for anything unreasonable—just a fair wage and respect for seniority,” said IAM Special Representative Tiwaan Bradley. “We have been working hard since the beginning of the negotiations to get a fair contract and avoid a strike. We remain open to going back to the table, our members are here to send a clear message that we will stand strong together on the picket line until our issues are resolved.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
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