IKEA workers stage massive strike across Italy

IKEA workers in Italy staged a nationwide 24-hour strike at the weekend, with participation exceeding 80 per cent in some locations, say unions. The strike, called by UNI Global Union affiliates FILCAMS CGIL, FISASCAT CISL and UILTUCS, saw thousands of workers walk off the job on 15 March, bringing operations to a halt in several stores. Large protests were held at IKEA locations in Carugate (Milan), Anagnina (Rome), and Afragola (Naples), drawing hundreds of demonstrators demanding fair pay and better working conditions.

The strike was part of an escalating campaign to push IKEA to renew its expired collective agreement, which has been in limbo since 2018. Despite 18 months of negotiations, the unions report that IKEA has refused to engage in meaningful discussions and has rejected key demands.

Key issues in the dispute

IKEA employs approximately 7,500 workers in Italy across 40 stores, eight remote customer meeting points, two distribution centres and its headquarters. The unions have raised multiple concerns, including:

• Unequal pay: Newly hired employees receive lower wages despite performing the same tasks as their colleagues.
• Lack of career growth: IKEA has cut back on professional development opportunities.
• Reduced sick leave protections: IKEA is proposing to impose a requirement for a medical certificate for just one day of sick leave, against common practice in Italy.
• Mandatory holiday work: Employees are required to work on national holidays, disrupting work-life balance.
• Union suppression and job security concerns: IKEA has been criticized for limiting union activities in smaller urban stores, maintaining a high percentage of part-time contracts without offering additional hours, and minimizing engagement with local labour representatives.

Ongoing worker actions

The 15 March strike was the largest mobilization yet, following an earlier 24-hour walkout on 24 February, where protests were staged at several IKEA stores.

On 17 March 2025, workers at IKEA’s remote customer meeting points and headquarters also joined the strike, increasing pressure on the company to return to negotiations.

Despite the strong worker turnout, IKEA has yet to address the unions’ demands. The unions have warned that unless IKEA commits to fair negotiations, further mobilization efforts will follow.

Mathias Bolton, Head of Commerce at UNI Global Union, expressed solidarity with the striking workers, stating:

“IKEA workers in Italy have delivered a powerful message: they will not back down until they win a fair collective agreement. With overwhelming participation in the latest strike, they have shown unity, determination and strength. IKEA must stop ignoring its workers and return to the negotiating table in good faith. Fair wages, job security and respect for union rights are non-negotiable. From the Netherlands to Italy, IKEA workers are fighting back, and UNI Global Union stands with them every step of the way.”