Costco Teamsters Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize Strike

[SheltieLover]

https://teamster.org/2025/01/costco-teamsters-overwhelmingly-vote-to-authorize-strike/

WASHINGTON) – Costco Teamsters nationwide have voted by an overwhelming 85 percent margin to authorize a strike. The vote is a direct result of the company’s continued failure to bargain constructively and refusal to present a fair contract offer that reflects the company’s record-breaking profits. The Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement, covering more than 18,000 Costco workers, expires on January 31.

“Our members have spoken loud and clear — Costco must deliver a fair contract, or they’ll be held accountable,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “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.”

Last week, hundreds of Costco Teamsters nationwide organized practice pickets in preparation for a potential strike. On Tuesday, Teamsters in Hayward, Calif., and Sumner, Wash., held practice picket actions. On Wednesday, Costco Teamsters held a practice picket and rally on Long Island. By Thursday, hundreds more in Southern California joined the mobilization effort with a large practice picket in San Diego.

“This strike vote is a direct response to Costco’s greed and blatant disregard for the bargaining process,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “Costco claims to treat workers better than the competition, but right now, it’s failing to live up to that reputation. Management has less than two weeks to fix this — if they don’t, they’ll face the consequences.”

More at link.

[Bluethroughu]

1. Costco gonna show what they really are now?

Huuummm...

[FarPoint]

2. I don't actually support this stike.

The Costco employees have it better than non union hospital staff around the country....

[Omaha Steve]

16. The union difference

What is the difference between union and non-union workers?

Wages: Union workers tend to earn higher wages than non-union workers.
Benefits: Union workers are more likely to have employer-provided health insurance and pensions.
Working conditions: Union workers are more likely to have safer working conditions.

[brush]

3. Welcome to the presidency, convict. This strike is the first hit to your economy and higher prices.

[FarPoint]

6. I agree it's a bad decision ... Sends the message that Unions are about greed...

They are not bad..... but in this tRump regime, it will be a huge political message to deter future unionization.

[brush]

8. FYI: I'm anot anti-union as they've historically raised wages and the standard of living for all workers...

even those not in unions. It's surprising to me to hear anti-union talk on this site? What's up with that?

[FarPoint]

9. I am in support of Unions....

I just can't see the rationale for Costco workers to strike.... To strike because, well you can in a Union is not productive.

[brush]

10. Costco is hugely profitabel because of union workers. They should share in the profits.

That's the rationale behind unions.

[wolfie001]

11. Correct! Unbelievably tone-deaf

Coming from people that have zero idea on what is going on in these stores.

[JohnSJ]

4. Well your teamster president was at the rep convention do you won't get

sympathy or support from me, and if there is a picket line in front of Costco where I go, I will cross it.

[Omaha Steve]

15. That is anti-union...PERIOD

How did you get this way?

[JohnSJ]

17. Then alert on me, because when the Teamster president bends his knee to trump, and

labor and unions split the vote between trump and Harris, I am not enamored by unions, especially since this is the second time they pulled this when they voted for Reagan over Carter.

Sorry but that is the way I feel, and I suspect they will pay a price for their reckless disregard along with the rest of the country.

and if I sound bitter you’re darn right I am. We had a President who walked the picket line and was a strong union supporter, and this is the thanks he gets.

[99MainSt]

5. First shot across the bow of the incoming adminstration

This is no ordinary strike but a message to Trump that workers will openly fight his agenda. It sets a bold example for more strike activity across American Industry.

[FarPoint]

7. Come on....

its not even close to being a fight against the tRumpian way. Striking will just add to the demise of Unions at this time.

[msongs]

12. this union president reminds me a lot of donald trump nt

[MichMan]

13. Anyone know what they are asking for?

Better pay ? Working conditions?

[SheltieLover]

14. Not sure, but it sounds as if the employees want a bigger cut of the profits

No idea. I saw the headline, read it & posted to try to give our community something else to think & talk about.

Could just be their pos president getting them stirred up to bring the 1st antiunion case of slobby's term.