ISSAQUAH, Wash. — In less than 48 hours, 18,000 unionized Costco workers across the nation could be going on strike.
The Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement expires on Friday, and so far– a deal for a new one hasn’t been reached.
Costco Teamsters announced last week that 85 percent of its members voted to strike if necessary.
What are workers asking for?
While Costco is known for paying its employees higher wages than its competitors, the union is accusing the company of not sharing its recent success with workers.
According to the union, Costco recently reported $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits. That is a 135 percent increase since 2018. Despite these record gains, the union says the company refuses to meet their demands for fair wages and benefits that reflect the company’s enormous success.
In addition to disagreements on pay and benefits, the union says Costco had rejected their proposals regarding seniority pay, paid family leave, bereavement policies, and sick time.
Could a deal still be reached?
KIRO 7 reached out to the union Wednesday, which says the Costco Teamsters National Negotiating Committee will resume bargaining with Costco on Thursday and Friday ahead of the January 31 deadline.
“The Teamsters are committed to securing a fair and reasonable agreement but are prepared to take action if the wholesale giant fails to deliver,” they told KIRO 7 in an email.
Who exactly could strike?
In Washington, the union represents all fleet drivers. They are responsible for moving goods from distribution centers to Costco warehouses all across the state. There are between 100 and 200 fleet drivers in Washington.
Will this impact my Costco?
It’s hard to say at this time—but there’s a chance some of your favorite items may be missing from the shelves. The union tells KIRO 7 that its members service so many locations, it is difficult to say how big of an impact a strike could have – but it could be widespread. The products transported by teamsters vary from location to location. According to the business’ website, Costco has 34 warehouses in Washington. The Teamsters Union also represents workers in California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia – so stores in these states could also be impacted.
What does Costco have to say?
KIRO 7 has repeatedly reached out to Costco for comment and has not heard back.
Last week, a representative from Costco responded to the union’s allegations and notice of a possible strike, saying:
“Costco is in negotiations with the Teamsters union regarding the renewal of a collective bargaining agreement that applies to less than 10% of Costco US locations,” the representative wrote. “For several decades we’ve had a good relationship with the union, and we are continuing to negotiate with them in good faith to renew the contract. We have always treated our employees fairly and well throughout the history of our company. Claims the union makes or actions they may take are not expected to have a material impact on Costco’s overall business.”
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