CDL drivers for Costco Sumner Distribution Center vote overwhelmingly to organize with Teamsters Local 174

In a truly historic victory, a group of nearly 150 Costco Distribution drivers voted to become members of Teamsters Local 174. The drivers move goods from the Distribution Centers to Costco warehouses, and have been striving to become Teamsters for years. Yesterday, the group finally achieved this victory as they voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing.

The effort was originally spearheaded by Teamsters Local 174 Organizing Director Meaza Ogbe four years ago, but that battle was ultimately lost by just two votes. This time around, armed with a larger organizing committee and more participation from a group who had seen firsthand how their management failed to live up to promises, Ogbe and her crew were successful.

“This historic vote means these drivers will be the first Costco Distribution drivers in the country to be Union members,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “The importance of this simply cannot be overstated, as it will encourage other Costco Distribution drivers to follow the path forged by these brave and strong new Teamsters. We are proud of the tireless work done by this entire Organizing Committee, as they quite literally worked day and night to show Costco workers the value of being a Teamster. Local 174 welcomes our new members with open arms.”

Costco driver Paul Lowrie expressed his deep pride over being at the forefront of this crusade. “Costco may not be a bad place to work, but being in a Union will make everything better for us and I’m so glad we were able to convince our coworkers to see the light on this one. Four years ago a few too many drivers listened to the company’s message out of fear instead of following their hearts, but this time the group was hungry enough to take on the fight and win it. I’m so proud of this whole team for what we’ve been able to do.”

That sentiment was echoed by Ogbe, the Union organizer. “It is so fitting that this vote took place on my birthday, because it is the best birthday present for me to know these workers finally have a Union to protect them. This has been a long time coming and a very hard-fought battle but the future looks so bright for these drivers. I can’t wait to see which group across the country decides to be the next to organize!”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,400 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.