18,000 Costco workers may strike

Costco Teamsters nationwide have voted by an 85% margin to authorize a strike, according to a press release.

The Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement, covering more than 18,000 Costco workers, expires Jan. 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 in the release.

Costco has a store in Coeur d'Alene and another in Spokane Valley.

Last week, hundreds of Costco Teamsters nationwide organized practice pickets in preparation for a strike. Teamsters in California and Washington state recently held practice picket actions.

Costco recently reported $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits — a 135% increase since 2018, the release said.

Costco could not be reached for comment.