Swedish giant reinstates rate from May 1 - International Workers' Day - after pressure from GMB Union
Ikea workers are celebrating today [Saturday May 1, 2021] after the company agreed to re-commit to paying workers at least the Living Wage Foundation rate.
The Swedish home furnishings giant had come under fire in November after refusing to honour the 20 pence per hour increase announced by the Living Wage Foundation, (LWF) while still displaying a Living Wage Employer plaque on sites.
GMB raised Ikea’s non-compliance directly with the foundation, and after a series of discussions Ikea bosses have now agreed uplifting staff pay to at least £10.85 in London and £9.50 across the rest of the UK in time for the LWF’s implementation deadline on May 1.
The LWF rate is independently calculated to reflect a Minimum Income Standard and is voluntarily paid by more than 7,000 UK employers.
David Shamma, GMB regional organiser said:
“This is a real win for all Ikea staff on International Workers’ Day – they will really feel the difference in their pockets after May 1.
“We want to thank Ikea for recommitting to the rate, after a little wobble earlier this year.
“This is real evidence of changes GMB membership can make in the workplace.
“With dark economic clouds circling, there’s never been a better time to join a union.”
