IKEA to raise starting wages to $16 for US workers

(AP/WISH) — IKEA on Tuesday announced that it will be raising starting wages for U.S. workers to $16 per hour, with wages at some locations starting at $17 or $18.

The new starting wage will go into effect on Jan. 1 and will apply to full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees across the U.S.

This will bring the average hourly wage to $20, IKEA said.

The company also announced that it has expanded its benefits package to include a minimum of five weeks of paid time paid time off, education assistance, back-up child and adult care and additional health care benefits.