Staff strikes spread across Belgian Ikea stores over working conditions

Employees at several Ikea stores in Belgium held strikes and protests on Tuesday, citing increasing workloads and worsening working conditions. The actions, organised by trade unions including ACV Puls and SETCa, reflect growing unrest across the retail sector following federal government proposals on Sunday and night work.

The protest began last week at Ikea Hognoul near Liège, where around 80 per cent of staff have walked out. The store has remained closed for several days after talks with management failed. Workers there complain of chronic understaffing, with holiday requests often denied because too few people are available to cover shifts.

The movement has since spread to other stores. On Monday, staff in Wilrijk stopped work, followed by employees in Anderlecht, Zaventem, and Mons on Tuesday. In most stores, the impact on customers was limited.

Union representatives say the dispute goes beyond workload and staffing. They point to broader pressures in the retail sector (including low pay, irregular hours, and increased demands for flexibility) which have made the job less attractive. 

A formal mediation meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Federal Public Service for Employment, with a focus on resolving the dispute in Hognoul.

In a response, Ikea Belgium said it is taking steps to restore social dialogue and to “address sector-wide challenges while safeguarding employee wellbeing”. The company highlighted the difficult environment for retailers, marked by rising costs, tougher competition, and changing customer expectations, but said it remains committed to maintaining stable and quality jobs.

_{Workers block the entrance of Ikea in Hognoul © BELGA PHOTO LAUREANE BARBIER}