Teamsters union members at Costco Wholesale voted overwhelmingly to authorize a nationwide strike, with 85% supporting the measure as contract negotiations reach a critical deadline. The union represents over 18,000 Costco workers across the United States.
The strike authorization comes as the current labor agreement approaches expiration on January 31, with final negotiations scheduled to begin January 20. Union leaders are demanding improved wages and benefits that they say should reflect Costco's strong financial performance.
According to the Teamsters, Costco recently reported $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits - representing a 135% profit increase since 2018. However, the union claims the company has failed to offer compensation terms matching this financial success.
"We've told Costco that our members won't work a day past January 31 without a historic, industry-leading agreement," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien in a statement. He warned that if executives don't present an acceptable offer within two weeks, "they'll have no one to blame but themselves when our members go on strike."
In preparation for potential labor action, hundreds of Costco Teamsters conducted practice pickets last week in multiple locations including California, Washington state, and New York.
Bryan Fields, a Costco worker and Teamsters Local 570 member in Baltimore, emphasized the workers' role, stating "We are the backbone of Costco. We drive its success and generate its profits."
Costco has not yet publicly responded to the strike authorization vote. The wholesale retailer faces mounting pressure to reach an agreement as the contract deadline approaches and workers signal their readiness to walk out.