Teamsters Authorize Strike at Costco Ahead of National Contract Negotiations

https://teamster.org/2024/07/teamsters-authorize-strike-at-costco-ahead-of-national-contract-negotiations/

2024.07.29

Nearly Unanimous Strike Vote Reflects Growing Militancy Among Costco Workers Nationwide

(WASHINGTON) – Costco workers represented by Teamsters Local 822 in Norfolk, Va., have voted to authorize a strike against the retail wholesaler as national contract negotiations are set to begin on Aug. 21.

The near-unanimous vote comes after more than eight months of negotiations for a first contract. The 250 warehouse workers organized with the Teamsters in December 2023, becoming the first group to win union representation at the company in over two decades.

“Costco’s games and delay tactics have left our members restless,” said James Wright, President of Teamsters Local 822 and International Vice President At-Large. “The nearly unanimous strike authorization vote shows just how serious our members are about demanding results. They are fed up with the company’s changing corporate culture and are ready to take action to stop the backsliding.”

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and Teamsters Warehouse Division Director Tom Erickson will lead the charge in national negotiations next month along with rank-and-file Costco Teamsters serving on the bargaining committee. The Teamsters national contract with Costco expires January 31, 2025, protecting more than 18,000 Teamsters.

FULL story at link above.