Union action at IKEA stores in Belgium is spreading following a strike last week at the Hognoul location. Employees at stores in Wilrijk and Zaventem have joined protests over high work pressure and persistent staff shortages.
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At IKEA Wilrijk, around half of the workforce walked out on Monday, while the Hognoul strike continues with 70% participation. Zaventem employees are expected to begin action shortly. Despite the strikes, stores remain open, although services are disrupted: restaurants operate with minimal staff, cash registers are run by managers, and some in-store food shops are closed.
Peter Engelen of ACV Puls highlighted ongoing workforce issues: “We are now working with almost 50 fewer people than last year, but we are still achieving the same figures. We therefore expect the management to hire additional staff.” He added that existing contracts are frequently not renewed, and resignations are not being replaced, exacerbating the pressure on remaining employees.
The strikes underscore growing tensions within IKEA Belgium as employees demand improved staffing levels and working conditions to manage increasing workloads.
Source: www.retaildetail.eu
Publication date:
Tue 7 Oct 2025