Montreal’s IKEA location in the borough of Saint-Laurent has transformed from a bustling furniture showcase into a picket line as employees launched a strike Wednesday morning. Workers bundled against the February chill are holding firm in their demand for improved wages, creating an unusual scene at one of the city’s busiest retail destinations.
“We’re not asking for the moon, just fair compensation that respects our contribution to the company’s success,” says Marie Tremblay, who has worked at the location for six years. Standing alongside approximately 160 colleagues, Tremblay tells me the dispute centers on IKEA’s proposed wage increases, which workers say fall significantly below inflation rates.
According to the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), which represents the striking workers, IKEA’s latest offer includes a 6.5 percent wage increase over a three-year contract – approximately 2.2 percent annually. With Montreal’s inflation rate hovering near 3.4 percent last year, workers argue this effectively amounts to a pay cut in real terms.
The Saint-Laurent store, which normally welcomes thousands of shoppers seeking everything from BILLY bookcases to Swedish meatballs, remains partially operational during the strike. Management personnel are maintaining limited services, though the restaurant and children’s play area remain closed.
This isn’t my first time covering labor disputes in Montreal, but there’s something particularly striking about seeing workers in the distinctive yellow IKEA uniforms holding protest signs rather than helping customers navigate the retailer’s famous showroom maze.
IKEA Canada responded to my inquiry with a statement expressing disappointment over the work stoppage while affirming their commitment to the negotiation process. “We value our co-workers and remain focused on reaching a fair and sustainable agreement,” the statement reads, though specifics on potential compromises weren’t provided.
The timing of the strike is notable, coming just as IKEA’s parent company, Ingka Group, reported record global profits of €2.2 billion (approximately $3.2 billion CAD) for 2023. Workers I spoke with frequently cited these profits as evidence the company can afford more generous compensation.
“When you see those kinds of numbers and then they offer us less than inflation, it feels like our work isn’t valued,” explains Philippe Desjardins, a warehouse employee. “Many of us struggle with Montreal’s rising cost of living, especially housing costs.”
Indeed, Montreal’s rental market has seen dramatic increases, with average rents rising nearly 30 percent over the past three years according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. This housing pressure has intensified cost-of-living concerns across the city.
The strike also highlights broader labor trends in Quebec, where worker leverage has increased amid persistent labor shortages. The province’s unemployment rate stands at 4.5 percent, among the lowest in Canada, creating conditions where employers often struggle to fill positions.
Walking the picket line, I notice the diversity among strikers – young students working part-time alongside career employees who’ve been with the company for decades. Their solidarity appears strong, with regular chants and supportive honks from passing motorists.
For Montreal consumers, the strike means potential disruptions when shopping for furniture. Several customers I spoke with expressed mixed feelings – supportive of workers’ rights while disappointed about limited services.
“I came all the way from Laval to pick up a bookshelf, and now I’m not sure if I can get it today,” says customer Isabelle Côté. “But I understand why they’re striking. Everything is getting more expensive.”
Union representatives indicate the strike will continue until a satisfactory agreement is reached. Mediation sessions are scheduled for next week, though neither side appears ready to make major concessions yet.
As Montreal’s brutal winter continues, the question remains how long these workers will brave the cold temperatures on the picket line – and whether IKEA will adjust its offer to address their concerns about falling behind inflation.
For now, the Swedish retailer’s distinctive blue building stands as a symbol of growing tensions between corporate profits and worker compensation
