Costco Teamsters authorize nationwide strike, demanding fair contract as January 31 deadline looms.
At a Glance
- 18,000 Costco Teamsters voted to authorize a strike if no fair contract is offered by January 31
- 85% of union members supported the strike authorization
- Key issues include wages, benefits, and working conditions
- Costco reported $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits
- Final negotiations set to begin on January 20
Costco Workers Prepare for Potential Strike
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing over 18,000 Costco workers, has authorized a nationwide strike as contract negotiations with the retail giant reach a critical juncture. With the current master agreement set to expire on January 31, union members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of strike action if their demands for better terms are not met.
The strike authorization, supported by 85% of Costco Teamsters across the United States, sends a clear message to the company’s management. The union is seeking fair wages and benefits that reflect Costco’s financial success, with the company reporting $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits, marking a 135% increase since 2018.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien has taken a strong position in the negotiations, emphasizing the union’s readiness to take action if necessary. The union’s demands include improvements in seniority pay, paid family leave, bereavement policies, sick time, and surveillance safeguards.
“Our members have spoken loud and clear — Costco must deliver a fair contract, or they’ll be held accountable. From day one, we’ve told Costco that our members won’t work a day past January 31 without a historic, industry-leading agreement. Costco’s greedy executives have less than two weeks to do the right thing. If they refuse, they’ll have no one to blame but themselves when our members go on strike,” Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said.
The union has criticized Costco’s initial counterproposal as “insulting” and not reflective of the company’s financial success. Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, accused Costco of greed and failing to uphold its reputation for treating workers well.
Potential Impact and Preparations
If the strike occurs, it would impact 56 Costco warehouse stores across five states. The Teamsters represent about 8% of Costco’s 219,000 employees, most of whom are not unionized. In preparation for a potential strike, practice pickets have been held in California, Washington, and Long Island.
“We are the backbone of Costco. We drive its success and generate its profits. We hope the company will step up and do right by us, but if they don’t, that’s on them. The company will be striking itself,” Bryan Fields, a Costco worker in Baltimore and member of Teamsters Local 570 said.
As the January 31 deadline approaches, both sides are gearing up for final negotiations set to begin on January 20. The union plans to negotiate with Costco for one more week, hoping to reach an agreement that satisfies their demands for fair compensation and improved working conditions.
Despite the growing tension and potential for disruption, Costco has yet to issue a public comment on the situation. The company’s silence has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations and the possibility of a strike.