
(AmericanProsperity.com) – In a major sign of labor trouble, 18,000 Teamsters union members at Costco are poised for a nationwide strike.
See the tweet below!
As the contract expiration date approaches, tension grows between the union and Costco executives.
More than 18,000 Costco employees represented by the Teamsters union are preparing to strike if negotiations do not yield a fair contract by January 31.
This potential strike authorization comes after an overwhelming 85% of Costco Teamsters nationwide voted in favor of the move.
The union, representing about 8% of Costco’s total workforce, remains unequivocal in its stance for better terms.
The root of the dispute lies in the union’s demand for 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.
Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters General President, has affirmed members will not work past January 31 without an agreement that is industry-leading and commensurate with their contributions.
He criticized the company for making “insulting” counterproposals.
In preparation for potential walkouts, practice pickets have occurred in California, Washington, and Long Island.
The threat of such a strike looms large over 56 Costco warehouses in five states, emphasizing the union’s resolve.
Meanwhile, Costco has yet to engage constructively in discussions, according to Teamsters’ claims.
Final negotiations have been slated for January 20, with both sides under pressure to reach an amicable resolution.
Should the strike occur, the ripple effects would likely impact store operations and possibly consumer satisfaction across the identified regions.
Teamsters have already gained momentum, as rallies enforce their collective call for an equitable contract.
“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,” declared Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.
Costco is yet to comment publicly on their stance, leaving many to wonder whether they will swiftly resolve grievances or risk severe disruption.
It’s a tense stand-off where the Teamsters accuse executives of greed and demand more workforce protections, including seniority pay, paid family leave, and surveillance safeguards.
As Costco continues to promote its diversity efforts, which it claims spur innovation and satisfaction, the union remains unswayed by these claims.
“We are the backbone of Costco,” says Bryan Fields, a Costco worker in Baltimore, stressing on the importance of recognizing their contribution to the company’s profits.
This conflict showcases not only labor rights but echoes a broader narrative of worker empowerment amidst corporate expansion.
With just days remaining until the final contract expiration date, the stakes are high for both Costco employees and executives.
Solid evidence that some groups will strike for higher pay regardless of how well the employees are treated and how much money they make.
Topped out Costco clerks make $29.30/hr, Meat cutters make $30/hr, service assistants make $27/hr. On top of that they have bonus checks… pic.twitter.com/dqsoO0E0x2
— Joseph Carlson (@joecarlsonshow) January 20, 2025
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