Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

SheltieLover

(62,513 posts)
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 01:37 PM Jan 20

Costco Teamsters Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize Strike

https://teamster.org/2025/01/costco-teamsters-overwhelmingly-vote-to-authorize-strike/

WASHINGTON) – Costco Teamsters nationwide have voted by an overwhelming 85 percent margin to authorize a strike. The vote is a direct result of the company’s continued failure to bargain constructively and refusal to present a fair contract offer that reflects the company’s record-breaking profits. The Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement, covering more than 18,000 Costco workers, expires on January 31.

“Our members have spoken loud and clear — Costco must deliver a fair contract, or they’ll be held accountable,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “From day one, we’ve told Costco that our members won’t work a day past January 31 without a historic, industry-leading agreement. Costco’s greedy executives have less than two weeks to do the right thing. If they refuse, they’ll have no one to blame but themselves when our members go on strike.”

Last week, hundreds of Costco Teamsters nationwide organized practice pickets in preparation for a potential strike. On Tuesday, Teamsters in Hayward, Calif., and Sumner, Wash., held practice picket actions. On Wednesday, Costco Teamsters held a practice picket and rally on Long Island. By Thursday, hundreds more in Southern California joined the mobilization effort with a large practice picket in San Diego.

“This strike vote is a direct response to Costco’s greed and blatant disregard for the bargaining process,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “Costco claims to treat workers better than the competition, but right now, it’s failing to live up to that reputation. Management has less than two weeks to fix this — if they don’t, they’ll face the consequences.”

More at link.

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

FarPoint

(13,825 posts)
2. I don't actually support this stike.
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 01:39 PM
Jan 20

The Costco employees have it better than non union hospital staff around the country....

Omaha Steve

(104,381 posts)
16. The union difference
Tue Jan 21, 2025, 11:32 AM
Jan 21

What is the difference between union and non-union workers?

Wages: Union workers tend to earn higher wages than non-union workers.
Benefits: Union workers are more likely to have employer-provided health insurance and pensions.
Working conditions: Union workers are more likely to have safer working conditions.

brush

(58,774 posts)
3. Welcome to the presidency, convict. This strike is the first hit to your economy and higher prices.
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 01:43 PM
Jan 20

FarPoint

(13,825 posts)
6. I agree it's a bad decision ... Sends the message that Unions are about greed...
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 02:00 PM
Jan 20

They are not bad..... but in this tRump regime, it will be a huge political message to deter future unionization.

brush

(58,774 posts)
8. FYI: I'm anot anti-union as they've historically raised wages and the standard of living for all workers...
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 02:04 PM
Jan 20

even those not in unions. It's surprising to me to hear anti-union talk on this site? What's up with that?

FarPoint

(13,825 posts)
9. I am in support of Unions....
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 02:15 PM
Jan 20

I just can't see the rationale for Costco workers to strike.... To strike because, well you can in a Union is not productive.

brush

(58,774 posts)
10. Costco is hugely profitabel because of union workers. They should share in the profits.
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 02:22 PM
Jan 20

That's the rationale behind unions.

wolfie001

(4,050 posts)
11. Correct! Unbelievably tone-deaf
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 02:26 PM
Jan 20

Coming from people that have zero idea on what is going on in these stores.

JohnSJ

(97,434 posts)
4. Well your teamster president was at the rep convention do you won't get
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 01:47 PM
Jan 20

sympathy or support from me, and if there is a picket line in front of Costco where I go, I will cross it.

JohnSJ

(97,434 posts)
17. Then alert on me, because when the Teamster president bends his knee to trump, and
Tue Jan 21, 2025, 12:27 PM
Jan 21

labor and unions split the vote between trump and Harris, I am not enamored by unions, especially since this is the second time they pulled this when they voted for Reagan over Carter.

Sorry but that is the way I feel, and I suspect they will pay a price for their reckless disregard along with the rest of the country.

and if I sound bitter you’re darn right I am. We had a President who walked the picket line and was a strong union supporter, and this is the thanks he gets.

99MainSt

(27 posts)
5. First shot across the bow of the incoming adminstration
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 01:53 PM
Jan 20

This is no ordinary strike but a message to Trump that workers will openly fight his agenda. It sets a bold example for more strike activity across American Industry.

FarPoint

(13,825 posts)
7. Come on....
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 02:02 PM
Jan 20

its not even close to being a fight against the tRumpian way. Striking will just add to the demise of Unions at this time.

SheltieLover

(62,513 posts)
14. Not sure, but it sounds as if the employees want a bigger cut of the profits
Mon Jan 20, 2025, 04:51 PM
Jan 20

No idea. I saw the headline, read it & posted to try to give our community something else to think & talk about.

Could just be their pos president getting them stirred up to bring the 1st antiunion case of slobby's term.



Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Omaha Steve's Labor Group»Costco Teamsters Overwhel...