Costco workers are ready to go on strike. Last week, Costco employees affiliated with the Teamsters voted overwhelmingly to walk out on the job if the company fails to come to a fair agreement. The union represents 18,000 of Costco’s 219,000 American workers, so a strike would affect many Costco locations and shoppers.
Here’s what they’re demanding, and how it could affect you.
Why Are Costco Workers Striking?
The unionized workers currently have a contact that is expiring on Jan. 31, 2025. Of the 18,000 Teamsters members represented by the contract, 85% of them voted to authorize a strike if an agreement can’t be reached.
“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 in a press release. “From day one, we’ve told Costco that our members won’t work a day past January 31 without a historic, industry-leading agreement.”
What Do Costco Teamsters Want?
The Teamsters are asking Costco for a new contract with higher wages and better policies on seniority, inclement weather, paid family leave, bereavement, sick time, and safeguards against surveillance. According to the Teamsters, Costco rejected 98% of the proposed provisions, despite the fact that the company has been making record profits.
When Will the Strike Happen?
Voting to authorize a strike is a common bargaining tactic used by unions. If a new contract agreement isn’t reached by Jan. 31, 2025, when the current contract expires, Costco Teamsters members could go on strike Feb. 1. It would include up to 18,000 Costco workers in 56 locations across five states, including California, Washington, and New York.
How Is Costco Responding?
Costco hasn’t addressed the potential strike with the media, but CEO Ron Varchis said that the company is hoping for a “fair and timely process” in negotiations during a call in December. Negotiations have been ongoing since September, and Varchis reminded everyone that the company has a 40-year history with the Teamsters.
How Will This Affect Me?
If you live in one of the five states where Costco employees are represented by the Teamsters, you may see striking employees at your store if an agreement isn’t met before Jan. 31. Some union members already held practice pickets last week, so if you noticed that on your last Costco visit, your next shopping trip could be more chaotic than usual.
