Welcome to the Machinists Union Local Lodge 460. Defending the rights of workers in Perryville, Maryland!

– 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.”

The IAM has filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) with the National Labor Relations Board over an incident on the strike line at the Perryville, Md., IKEA Distribution Center on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The incident resulted in an IAM leader being arrested, but later released with a minor citation.

This behavior by IKEA has added to the list of reasons the workers are on strike. It also means that any replacements to the striking workers hired by IKEA would be temporary replacements instead of permanent replacements.

“Those protections are vital to our members,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Now that the company has crossed that line, our members have a way to prevent mass replacement of those that continue to stand tall for their collective bargaining rights.”

The sides had been using a federal mediator to attempt to negotiate a settlement, but the company insists that they need to remove existing language from the Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) that recognizes worker seniority. Union members consider that language vital to protection of fairness of job placements.

According to witnesses, the local police department has been inconsistent with the application of the Maryland traffic law at the two strike locations. Union members have complained to the Perryville police that some 18-wheel truckers are failing to stop at two stop signs near the strike lines, endangering striking union members and passenger vehicles on the main road. The incident involving the arrest seems to show that IKEA management wants to stop lawful union activity by using local police resources at their request. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will make a determination about these charges at a later date.

Approximately 320 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local I460, District 4, working at the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville, Maryland, remain on strike for a fair contract after overwhelmingly rejecting the company’s latest proposal on Nov. 14, 2024.

Despite engaging in federal mediation sessions on Nov. 21 and 22, 2024, no progress was made toward resolving the dispute.

“We are disappointed in IKEA’s unwillingness to move on issues critical to our members,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This strike is about respect and dignity on the job. Our members remain in solidarity in their fight for fair wages and seniority protections, and we won’t back down until IKEA comes back to us with real solutions. Our members are prepared to stand strong for as long as it takes to win the fair treatment they deserve.”

WATCH: Video from More Perfect Union on the IKEA Strike More Perfect Union

IAM Local I460 members began their strike at midnight on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, following a vote to reject IKEA’s proposed contract. The members continue to demand fair wages and seniority protections, which they argue are essential to ensuring a just and respectful workplace.

IAM Local I460 members remain on the picket line outside the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville.

WATCH: IAM I460 Local President Mark Bittner Discuss Seniority

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.

Approximately 320 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local I460, District 4, working at the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville, Maryland, remain on strike for a fair contract after overwhelmingly rejecting the company’s latest proposal on Nov. 14, 2024.

In a new development, IAM and IKEA will meet with a federal mediator on Thursday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, to resolve the dispute and reach a fair agreement.

IAM Local I460 members began their strike at midnight on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, following a vote to reject IKEA’s proposed contract. The members are seeking fair wages and seniority protections, which they argue are essential to ensuring a just and respectful workplace.

IAM Local I460 members are on the picket line outside the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville.

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.

UPDATE

The IAM Human Rights Department recently hosted an exhilarating week packed with training at the IAM’s Education and Technology Center. This was brought about from the IAM Diversity Initiative’s request on September 6, 2023.

The 30 participants embraced a variety of perspectives and dove right in the many issues workers may encounter on the shop floor. They explored the essentials of connecting community stories, fostering a sense of belonging, and implementing effective intervention strategies.

They tackled generational diversity and implicit bias, recognizing that each of us brings unique histories and community needs to our union. They celebrated their differences and created an environment where everyone felt valued and respected. It was essential to acknowledge that the groups with histories of exclusion may require tailored support to truly thrive in an equitable space of belonging.

“Empowering workers is not just a labor issue; it’s a human rights mission,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears.