The chill of a Montreal February didn’t stop IKEA workers from turning up the heat on management yesterday. For the second time in less than a month, employees at the popular Saint-Laurent Boulevard location abandoned their posts in a surprise strike action that left weekend shoppers navigating half-empty aisles and longer-than-usual checkout lines.
“We didn’t want to disrupt customers’ plans, but our voices need to be heard,” explained Marie-Claude Tremblay, a 15-year veteran of the home furnishing giant and local union representative. “After six months of negotiations, we’re still facing proposals that would effectively reduce our overall compensation package.”
The strike comes at a particularly busy time for the Swedish retailer, with many Montrealers seeking indoor comfort upgrades during our notorious winter months. By mid-afternoon, the normally bustling restaurant sat nearly empty, with only pre-packaged foods available to hungry shoppers.
According to the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), which represents the approximately 500 workers at this location, the primary sticking points remain wage increases and scheduling flexibility. The union claims IKEA’s latest offer fails to keep pace with inflation that has hit Montrealers particularly hard this year.
“When you’re choosing between heating your apartment and buying groceries, a below-inflation raise feels like a cut,” said Jean-Philippe Lavoie, who works in the warehouse section. “Many of us are already working second jobs just to make ends meet.”
I’ve covered labor disputes across our city for over a decade, and what strikes me about this particular conflict is the evident community support. Several customers I spoke with expressed solidarity with workers despite their shopping plans being disrupted.
“I came for a new bookshelf, but I can wait if it means workers get treated fairly,” said Outremont resident Sophia Gagnon, who decided to leave without making a purchase after learning about the strike.
IKEA management has maintained that their offer is competitive within the retail sector. In a statement provided to LCN.today, company spokesperson Emma Lundberg wrote: “We value our co-workers and remain committed to good faith negotiations toward a fair agreement that balances the needs of our employees, customers, and business.”
This labor action follows similar disputes at IKEA locations across North America, including a prolonged strike at their Richmond, BC store several years ago. Industry analysts suggest these conflicts reflect broader tensions in retail as companies navigate post-pandemic consumer habits and economic pressures.
“What we’re seeing at IKEA mirrors challenges throughout Quebec’s retail landscape,” noted Dr. Martine Bélanger, labor relations specialist at Université de Montréal. “Workers are increasingly unwilling to accept conditions they view as inadequate, especially when many companies are reporting healthy profits.”
The timing couldn’t be more challenging for both sides. Valentine’s Day promotions have already begun, and the spring catalog launch—typically a major sales driver—is just weeks away.
As someone who’s furnished much of my Plateau apartment with IKEA staples over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this store has become woven into Montreal’s cultural fabric. The blue and yellow building off Highway 40 is practically a landmark, and many of us have spent Sunday afternoons wandering its showrooms, pencils and measuring tapes in hand.
For now, the store remains open with management personnel filling critical roles. However, union representatives have warned that longer, more disruptive actions may follow if negotiations don’t progress.
Customers planning to visit the store are advised to check IKEA’s website for updated hours and service information. The trademark Swedish meatballs, unfortunately, remain off the menu until further notice.
The next formal negotiation session is scheduled for early next week, according to both union and company representatives. Until then, Montrealers might want to reconsider any plans involving flat-pack furniture and tiny Allen wrenches.
