Unionized workers at Ikea’s Richmond outlet are set to resume mediation talks with the global furniture retailer Monday (October 20) after both parties agreed to a number of pre-conditions from a veteran labour mediator.
Vince Ready, who brought about a new deal between the B.C. government and striking teachers last month, returns to the table with Ikea and picketers after talks broke off in late September.
Ikea and the Teamsters Local 213 agreed to give Ready the power to implement binding recommendations should the parties not reach an agreement during mediation.
About 300 workers have been engaged in job action since May 2013.
The Labour Relations Board ruled in July that Ikea violated regulations by negotiating a $2.50/hour pay raise with 35 employees who crossed the picket line to resume working.
Talks broke off in late September when Ikea and the union remained far apart on issues such as wages, benefits, guaranteed hours and the status of the 35 employees expelled from the union after taking the raise.
