Costco Unionized Workers Vote to Approve Nationwide Strike

On Sunday, Teamsters union members working at Costco Wholesale facilities across the country voted to authorize a strike, with more than 85% in favour of walking the picket line.

The union represents almost 18,000 Costco employees nationwide.

"Our members have spoken loud and clear -- Costco must deliver a fair contract, or they'll be held accountable," Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien stated in a news statement Sunday.

"We've warned Costco from the start that our members will not work after January 31 unless we reach a historic, industry-leading agreement. Costco's greedy leaders have fewer than two weeks to make the correct decision. If they refuse, they will have only themselves to blame when our people go on strike.

The union claims that "fair wages and benefits" are the driving force behind the walkout.

According to the union, the wholesale giant just recorded $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net earnings, representing a 135% increase over 2018.

"Yet, despite these record gains, the company refuses to meet the Teamsters' demands for fair wages and benefits that reflect the company's enormous success," the workers added.

Last week, hundreds of Costco Teamsters across the country held practice pickets, from Hayward, California, to Sumner, Washington, to Long Island, New York.

"We are the backbone of Costco," Bryan Fields, a Costco employee in Baltimore and member of Teamsters Local 570, stated in the press release. "We drive its success and profitability. We hope the company will step up and do the right thing, but if they do not, it is their responsibility. "The company will strike itself."