In an uncertain economic environment, Teamsters lock in strong gains
Local 174 Costco Depot drivers and MDO workers came together over the weekend and overwhelmingly ratified a Historic Agreement. While the Local 174 Costco Agreement mirrors the Teamsters National Costco Master Agreement in many ways, it contains additional protections unique to the needs of our members which will significantly improve their daily working conditions on the job.
In addition to significant wage increases over a three-year period that are greater than any other three-year timeframe in the Company’s history, with retro pay back to September of 2024, this contract also protects members’ healthcare plans and investments into Teamster retirement plans. While most of the non-represented Costco workers have watched their 401(k) retirement plans lose upwards of 22% over the past couple of weeks, our members and those in the Teamsters National Costco Contract have seen their pensions continue to grow over that period with no chance of losing anything they have earned to date.
This contract also establishes new work rules transforming this Costco Depot facility into an entirely different place to work than in the years prior to organizing with Local 174. Drivers have the right, by seniority, to choose their workweek, start time and workload on a daily basis, which cuts out favoritism and retaliation for those who stand up for their rights. It also removes Costco’s “guilty until proven innocent” approach to discipline, in which workers accused of any malfeasance are put on an unpaid three-day suspension before any investigation can occur. Workers are now protected by a “Just Cause” standard and have access to a formal grievance procedure that is standard in most Union contracts. These are just a few of the many improvements made.
“This group has faced an uphill battle to reach this milestone. Between a contentious organizing drive, a challenging first contract campaign, and finally this successor Agreement, these members never wavered from what they wanted,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “They stayed the course, remained united, and fought to achieve a contract that recognizes the value they provide to this 420 billion dollar Fortune Five Hundred Corporation. Now they will be able to work under a contract that fundamentally improves their lives and demonstrates the value of organizing with a strong Union like Teamsters Local 174. They earned every bit of what they now have, and we are proud to have them as members of our great Union.”
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.