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Costco Teamsters Rally in Long Island: A Battle for Fair Contracts

In an effort to secure better working conditions and compensation, the Teamsters Union recently held a massive rally and practice picket in Long Island, New York. With the contract negotiation deadline looming on January 31, 2025, hundreds of Costco Teamsters gathered to voice their demands for fair treatment from the wholesale retailer. The event featured prominent union leaders including Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, who addressed the eager crowd, urging unity and action.

The negotiation at stake is the Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement, which impacts over 18,000 workers across the country. As President O’Brien emphasized, "We are going to win the strongest collective bargaining agreement in the history of Costco. Our members deserve nothing less." This strong statement came as a warning to the company to come to the negotiating table with an acceptable offer or face the consequences—namely, strikes by the workers who are steadfast in their fight.

Teamsters leaders are poised for action if their requests are unmet, citing Costco's recent financial successes. The company has reported an impressive annual revenue of $254 billion and a net profit of $7.4 billion, representing a staggering increase from 2018. Given these record profits, Zuckerman remarked that it's time for Costco to prioritize its employees over profits, criticizing the corporate giant for its tendency to overlook the hard work of the people behind its success.

As the team prepares for upcoming negotiations, Director Tom Erickson reiterated the urgency of the situation: "If Costco fails to present an acceptable agreement—one that reflects its record-breaking profits—we will hold them accountable." The commitment from the Teamsters is evident; they remain ready to strike if necessary, a move they would rather avoid but deem essential to securing the rights they deserve.

A Costco worker and Local 210 member, Lance Knowles, expressed the sentiments of many at the rally: "We do not want to strike, but if Costco refuses to meet us at the bargaining table with respect, we are ready to do whatever it takes. We will not back down. We will not accept anything less than a contract that sets the standard in the retail industry."

Founded over a century ago in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters now represents approximately 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The union continues to fight for labor rights and fair treatment in the workplace, driven by the belief that every worker deserves a contract that fairly reflects their contributions.

The stage is set for a critical week of negotiations, as the Teamsters stand firmly united in their cause, ready to push against a corporate titan in the retail industry. As they prepare for talks near Costco's corporate hub in Issaquah, Washington, the members know they are part of a larger movement within the labor community striving for equality and justice in the workforce.