If a strike goes ahead, 56 of the company’s warehouse stores across five states would be affected after 85% of Teamster members voted to authorize the action over wages and benefits.
The Teamsters said Costco had rejected proposals dealing with seniority pay, paid family leave, bereavement policies, sick time, and safeguards against surveillance. The union represents around 8% of Costco’s 219,000, mostly un-unionized, employees.
When you read press releases from companies as well unions, understand these public statements are part of negotiation tactics, communication and attempting to exert pressure. Always watch carefully for statements that appeal to emotions but lack details.
While employees are, by definition, under-compensated in capitalism, “Refused proposals on sick pay, salaries, etc.” - without specifics it’s impossible for anyone to guess what they asked for and what the actual response or discussion was.
I personally think unions are most effective when they are transparent and specific about what is wanted, e.g. fight for $15(though not perfect in different geographies it was effective). I also think unions debase their incredibly strong position of being in the right on almost everything by resorting to vagueness, half-truths and unnecessary dramatization.