Costco Teamsters Vote to Authorize Strike Amid Contract Negotiations

More than 18,000 Costco workers, including those in Pierce County, are poised to strike if a new contract is not finalized by January 31, 2025. The Teamsters union reported that around 85% of its members voted to authorize the strike, following a series of practice pickets in states like Washington, California, and New York. Ongoing negotiations since September have centered around demands for "fair wages and benefits" that reflect the company's record profits, with union representatives asserting that Costco's financial success warrants better compensation for employees. Teamsters general president Sean M. O’Brien made it clear that workers will not work beyond the contract expiration without a "historic, industry-leading agreement.

" The current contract, signed in February 2022, established hourly wages ranging from $17. 50 to $29 for various positions. The union has highlighted its requests for improved wages and enhanced pension benefits, emphasizing that the company's profitability should translate to better worker compensation. Recent practice pickets included slogans like “Strike Ready! A taste of what’s to come!

” showcasing the workers' determination. Costco, ranked as the third-largest retailer globally, reported $7. 4 billion in net profits last September, intensifying the workers' call for a fair share of the company's success.