PERRYVILLE, Md., Dec. 4, 2024 – U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is urging management at IKEA’s Perryville distribution center to offer a fair contract to its 320 striking workers, who are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local I460 (District 4).
Van Hollen expressed his support for the striking workers in a letter to IKEA management.
“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 in Cecil County,” Van Hollen wrote in the letter. “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 Nov. 15 after voting against IKEA’s proposed contract that would impact fair wages and seniority protections.
The IAM and IKEA met with a federal mediator on Nov. 21 and 22 to resolve the dispute and reach a fair agreement, but failed to yield progress.
On Nov. 25, 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.
“The IAM applauds Senator Van Hollen for taking a stand and urging IKEA to negotiate in good faith,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “We urge other elected officials to amplify the call for justice and demand a fair contract for their constituents.”
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The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, automotive, railroad, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
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