Source: Workers First Union
WHAT:
Around 300 Workers First Union members at IKEA in Auckland will strike for the second time this Sunday, with staff voting to walk out for a full day. Union members will host a barbecue and perform a haka outside the store on Sunday.
See also:
- Photos attached (media are permitted to republish) – IKEA workers on the picket line in Auckland, Sat 24 October /// Sally Huang, Workers First Union member
- First media statement RE: strike action
WHEN:
Sunday 1 November 2026
- Strike: 00:01 – 23:59
- Picket: 13:00-16:00
- Haka: 14:00
WHERE:
Outside IKEA, 10 Clemow Drive, Mount Wellington, Auckland
WHY:
Jas Giri, Workers First Union national organiser, said that New Zealand IKEA workers were being denied weekend pay rates, which is a minimum expectation in the brand’s Australian stores.
“It’s simply unfair for IKEA to deny workers weekend rates and treat Aotearoa like a second-class country where locals don’t deserve the basics because we have weak labour laws,” said Mr Giri.
“IKEA sells themselves as a progressive company, but there’s been nothing progressive about their approach to their first major bargaining sessions with New Zealanders.”
Sally Huang (photo attached), an IKEA worker and union bargaining team member who is leaving her role in frustration, supplied the following statement to the company during negotiations.
“Since the last time we met for bargaining, 4 people from my team have resigned. That’s including myself and the HFRD manager. When we opened, we had over 500 employees, now we’re down to roughly 400.”
“The way I see it, IKEA is a sinking ship with its crew members getting off faster than you can replace them. We are in dire straits. And the only way to fix this is by providing a better work environment, starting with fair pay.”
“I don’t know how much vested interest you all have in saving this ship, I for one am already getting off. However, I would hate to see a brand I once loved to have its reputation torn apart, because less than a year after opening, its workers are having to go on strike to be heard.”
“Behind me are around 300 workers who are now willing to stand up to be heard. We are at a crossroads, and what we decide here will determine the future.”
“So, it’s now up to you all to decide if you want to steer this ship to safety or let it run ashore.”
Captions:
- sallyhuangIKEA.jpg — Sally Huang, IKEA worker and Workers First Union bargaining team member
- IKEAstrike24Oct.jpeg — Workers First IKEA members on strike, 24 October 2026