TEAMSTERS AUTHORIZE STRIKE AT COSTCO AHEAD OF NATIONAL CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
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WASHINGTON, July 29, 2024 ~ In a near-unanimous vote, Costco workers represented by Teamsters Local 822 in Norfolk, Virginia have authorized a strike against the retail wholesaler as national contract negotiations are set to begin on August 21st.

This decision comes after more than eight months of negotiations for a first contract. The nearly 250 warehouse workers organized with the Teamsters in December 2023, making them the first group to win union representation at the company in over two decades.

According to James Wright, President of Teamsters Local 822 and International Vice President At-Large, "Costco's games and delay tactics have left our members restless." He further stated that the strike authorization vote shows just how serious their members are about demanding results. They are fed up with the company's changing corporate culture and are ready to take action to stop the backsliding.

Leading the charge in national negotiations next month will be Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien and Teamsters Warehouse Division Director Tom Erickson, along with rank-and-file Costco Teamsters serving on the bargaining committee. The current Teamsters national contract with Costco expires on January 31st, 2025 and protects more than 18,000 workers.

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Meanwhile, negotiations are also taking place for more than 150 Costco drivers in Sumner, Washington under Teamsters Local 174 led by Western Region International Vice President Rick Hicks. In April 2024, they became the first group of drivers at a Costco Distribution Center to organize with the Teamsters.

Erickson, who also serves as Central Region International Vice President for the Teamsters, stated that they are determined to secure the strongest national contract ever for Costco workers. He added that this level of militancy is being seen all across the country. In Washington State, drivers are fighting for more at the bargaining table and workers all over are organizing and mobilizing to keep Costco in check. He emphasized that workers have had enough of the company's bad behavior and are prepared to fight for the fair treatment and compensation they deserve. The Teamsters are sending a loud message to Costco: they want results, and they are prepared to take action to get them.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit Teamster.org or follow them on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" them on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

For media inquiries, please contact Daniel Moskowitz at (770) 262-4971.
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