08/14/2026
More than 190 Teamsters at IKEA’s distribution center in Joliet, Ill., have been forced onto the picket line after the furniture giant failed to offer workers a fair first Teamsters contract. Workers at the Joliet facility voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters in March, becoming the third IKEA location to organize with the union in North America.
Despite the company’s immense profits, IKEA has refused to offer wages that keep pace with inflation, provide additional sick time, or agree to protections against automation that threatens workers livelihoods. The warehouse workers, represented by Teamsters Local 179, are demanding higher wages, improved working conditions, and protections against automation.
