IKEA Addresses Allegations of Demoting Employee After Parental Leave; Union Claims Forced Restructuring

IKEA stated today (July 10) that it is "taking the concerns very seriously" regarding allegations that it demoted an employee who returned from parental leave and pressured them to resign voluntarily.

The labor union has called for an immediate halt to restructuring and the withdrawal of attempts to force job reassignments.

In an official statement released today, IKEA Korea explained, "We respect the relevant laws and regulations of the Republic of Korea and ensure that all employees can safely exercise their rights guaranteed by law, including pregnancy, childbirth, and parental leave." The company added, "Over the past year, 118 out of 2,000 employees have taken parental leave, and 110 of them have returned to continue their careers."

The company further noted, "Procedures by the relevant authorities are currently underway, and we are cooperating faithfully with the investigation. We will provide all necessary data and explanations to ensure that the objective facts can be verified."

The IKEA Korea branch of the Service & Distribution Workers Union also issued a statement today, criticizing the company by saying, "IKEA is pushing ahead with comprehensive workforce reductions and restructuring, prioritizing only the logic of capital." The union added, "By neglecting staff shortages on the ground, they are imposing a murderous workload on workers and driving them to the brink."

The union further pointed out, "Forcing employees to resign, regardless of their rank or career, is rampant, and the company is exerting pressure through unilateral job reassignments and wage cuts without consent." They also noted, "In particular, they are not even providing minimal air conditioning for workers who sweat and toil in the early hours of the morning."

The IKEA Korea union demanded the following: a halt to restructuring; the withdrawal of coercive job reassignment attempts and recognition of the value of skilled labor; and the provision of rest periods and appropriate temperature and humidity levels to ensure workers' rights to rest and health.

Earlier today, President Lee Jae-myung shared a media report on X regarding the Ministry of Employment and Labor's investigation into allegations that IKEA demoted an employee returning from parental leave and pressured them to resign. He wrote, "Just as our companies must not engage in anti-labor, irrational behavior overseas, foreign companies must not do so here in Korea."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.