
In a decisive move that underscores tensions in labor negotiations, Costco Teamsters have voted with an 85% majority in favor of a strike if a satisfactory contract is not presented before month's end, a considerable threat given their contract's January 31 expiration date, reported by KIRO 7.
As negotiations drag on between the wholesale giant and its employees, a potential stalemate looms and if unresolved could trigger what is poised to be a significant strike. The workforce is increasingly voicing their dissatisfaction, as Costco's strong earnings are not being reflected in worker contracts, creating a contentious issue highlighted by KIRO 7.
The extent to which this dispute could disrupt operations is not negligible. Costco employs roughly 219,000 U.S. workers, totalling 8% of which belong to the Teamsters union covered by the national contract with the potential strike representing a significant upswell in union action within the retail sector where less than 5% of workers are unionized, largely in grocery stores as detailed by WVTM 13.
Workers are not taking the situation lightly, in Sumner for instance, preparatory steps for a possible strike were taken evident by a practice picket last week, while across the U.S., Costco operates 624 warehouses employing around 310,000 people, that includes 34 warehouses in Washington state alone, stark numbers indicating the wide scope of the impact were a strike to commence, as per details from KING 5.