Teamsters Take Legal Action Against Costco
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- Teamsters accuse Costco of violating labor laws and union agreements.
- Costco allegedly harasses workers and blocks union communication.
- Negotiations for a new agreement with 18,000 workers to resume soon.
Costco Accused of Unfair Labor Practices
Press Contact: Kara Deniz Phone: (202) 497-6610 Email: kdeniz@teamster.org
(Washington) – The Teamsters have lodged multiple unfair labor practice charges against Costco for violating federal labor law and the national master agreement in efforts to undermine workers’ rights and the collective bargaining process.
Recently, Costco's management has intensified illegal practices. Union representatives were expelled, workers harassed for wearing Teamsters attire, and employees sent home. Locks on union bulletin boards were changed after literature was removed, and the Teamsters blocked from updates.
“Costco’s lawless behavior will not be tolerated,” said Teamsters President Sean M. O’Brien. “A company claiming to be ‘worker-friendly’ should not violate federal labor law to intimidate workers. Costco executives are greedy, deceitful, and anti-worker, prioritizing Wall Street profits over workers,” he added.
Costco, once known for its “pro-worker” image, is now criticized for betraying its stated values and the workforce that built it into a global retail giant.
“Costco cannot intimidate the Teamsters or disrupt bargaining,” said Tom Erickson, Teamsters Warehouse Division Director. “The company’s illegal actions only strengthen our resolve. This is a fight they will regret starting.”
Negotiations for a new national master agreement covering over 18,000 Costco Teamsters will resume next week. Talks were suspended in August after Costco refused to remain neutral in employees’ rights to form a union or agree to a card check process to allow nonunion workers to join without threats.
“The Teamsters will not back down from this fight,” O’Brien stated. “Costco’s blatant legal disregard is a betrayal of every worker who built this company.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
---
Read More USA Works News
