Costco Teamsters Ready to Strike as Contract Deadline Approaches

Costco Workers Rally for Fair Contract as Deadline Approaches

With the expiration of the Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement looming on January 31, Teamsters members from Locals 150, 174, and 853 are actively preparing to take significant steps. Today, workers organized practice picket lines in Hayward, Calif., and Sumner, Wash., highlighting their demand for a contract that reflects Costco's impressive financial success.

Jesse Sexton, representing Local 150, emphasized the urgency of the situation, "We’re out here today to send a clear message to Costco that we are ready to do whatever it takes to secure the contract we deserve. None of us wants to strike, but the company is making enormous profits, and all we’re asking for is our fair share. If Costco refuses to present us with an acceptable offer, they’ll be striking themselves.”

The negotiations, which recently concluded their third week, have made headway on several issues, such as seniority rights and shop steward roles. However, Costco has yet to propose an economic plan that addresses the workers' demands for increased retirement benefits, reflecting the company's rising profits.

Robert Campus, a Local 174 member and longtime Costco driver, voiced his frustration, stating, "I’ve been a Costco driver for 12 years, and watched this company grow into one of the largest retailers in the world. It’s time for Costco to stop prioritizing Wall Street and corporate executives over the workers who built this company. We’re fully prepared to strike if offered anything less than an industry-leading, record-breaking contract.”

The Teamsters, representing over 18,000 workers nationwide, point to Costco's recent financial report, highlighting annual revenue of $254 billion and net profits of $7.4 billion—a significant jump from $3.1 billion in 2018. Despite these numbers, employee demands for fair compensation and benefits remain unmet.

Negotiations will resume on January 20 near Costco’s corporate headquarters in Issaquah, Wash. Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, warned, “Costco has two weeks to bring forward a fair collective bargaining agreement, or our members will take to the streets. Costco is the third-largest retailer on the planet. They can more than afford to provide the wages and benefits our members are asking for, and the Teamsters are ready to hold them accountable if they fail to do so.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated on social media via X @Teamsters and Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.