Auckland Ikea workers to strike for first time this Labour weekend

Approximately 300 Ikea workers in Auckland will strike for the first time this Labour weekend. The industrial action will involve a picket outside the Sylvia Park store between 12pm and 4pm on Saturday. The stoppage is expected to cause significant disruption for customers during a busy period.

Workers First Union says the strike follows a vote where 95 per cent of members supported industrial action. The union has been bargaining with the retailer since February. The dispute involves a rejected pay offer that the union claims is below the rate of inflation.

The union is also seeking weekend penalty rates, paid insurance, discretionary leave, and union inductions for new employees. Rudd Hughes, deputy secretary at Workers First Union, stated, "Ikea came to this country trumpeting their 'progressive' attitude concerning industrial relations, but talk is cheap and so is their offer to workers".

The union argues that Ikea workers in New Zealand are receiving a worse deal than those in other countries, such as Australia. Hughes noted that Australian staff receive overtime rates, including double time, while New Zealand workers are not receiving weekend penalty rates.

How it developed

• Fri 23 Oct, 12:16pmThe company is valued at approximately $45 billion, which the union claims would allow it to settle the deal easily.

Where reports differ

• One report mentions the union is seeking time-and-a-half at the weekend, while another notes Australian workers receive double time.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, The Post, Otago Daily Times and Stuff.