DANVILLE, Va. (AP) — Workers at IKEA's only U.S. manufacturing plant are deciding whether they want to unionize.
Approximately 328 workers are scheduled to vote Wednesday at Swedwood Danville, a subsidiary of the Swedish furniture giant. The results should be available late Wednesday.
Workers have been courted by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The union has portrayed the operations of the Southside Virginia plant as in conflict with IKEA's otherwise stellar international reputation for its treatment of workers and high corporate principles.
Union organizer Bill Street has listed a range of complaints, from low wages to unsafe working conditions. He says workers are fearful of speaking out for fear of retribution.
IKEA has denied the union grievances, and says it will honor workers' wishes if they chose to unionize.
