IKEA’s Alleged Firing of HR Official Draws Retaliation Lawsuit

IKEA North America Services allegedly fired a senior-level human resources employee after she notified leadership that the company’s systematic pay disparity and age discrimination violated federal and state law, according to a new lawsuit.

Laurie Gorbeck says management at the U.S. division of the Swedish furniture retailer didn’t promote her or let her move within the company after she “repeatedly” brought the issues to their attention. After years of retaliation, Gorbeck’s position, which she says she was demoted to, was eliminated, ending her employment with IKEA. She filed the lawsuit Aug. 27 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern ...