France: Ikea on trial accused of spying on employees

VERSAILLES. The trial of the French branch of Ikea began today, accused of having set up an illegal surveillance system of its employees, including trade unionists. The branch of the Swedish furniture giant – prosecuted as a legal entity and legally represented by its CEO and CFO Karine Havas – faces a fine of up to 3.75 million euros. The trial involves fifteen people, including shop managers, police officers and former executives, such as former CEO Stefan Vanoverbeke (2010-2015) and his predecessor Jean-Louis Baillot.

The case, revealed in 2012 by the satirical weekly “Le Canard Enchainé” and the news site “Mediapart”, was denounced by a union and led to the dismissal of four executives of the company. According to the Versailles prosecutor’s office, the investigation brought to light the existence of a “spying system” on employees but also on job candidates that extended throughout the country. According to the indictment, information was collected on several hundred people, including trade unionists: their criminal records and lifestyle were scrupulously analyzed. “This is a process that should be exemplary,” said Adel Amara, former FO union delegate at an Ikea store in Franconville (Val-d’Oise), before the hearing. “We are here today to demonstrate that there is this type of maneuver in companies that police the unions and especially the employees,” said Amar Lagha, general secretary of the CGT trade union and services. But according to some defense lawyers, the investigation has many shortcomings. Olivier Baratelli, lawyer for former human resources director Claire Hery, said he will ask for the trial to be canceled, speaking of a “fairy tale fabricated by the unions.” The trial will last until April 2nd.