California Costco Workers Ratify New Contract

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Feb 19, 2010, 04:15 ET

Three-Year Pact Increases Wages and Bonuses, Improves Language

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters from the six local unions that represent 12,000 Costco workers in California ratified a new three-year agreement that included annual wage increases and annual guaranteed bonuses. The wage and bonus increases will maintain the members' distinction as the highest paid retail workers in the country. The contract also included language improvements that will strengthen job security.

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The West Coast Costco contract was negotiated to expire in three years, concurrent with the East Coast Costco Teamster contract which is out for vote at this time and will be counted in the first week of March. The East Coast Costco contract covers 3,500 workers.

"The officers and officials did not recommend a 'yes' vote, but rather encouraged the membership to vote their conscience due to the fact that the company refused to increase pension contributions," said negotiations chairman and International Vice President Rome Aloise. "Consequently, the vote was one of the lowest approvals we have had over the years.

"The contract on its face is excellent given the economy, but our members exercised their right to voice their opinion and some of them did so by voting no. The majority voted in favor, and I am happy we have a new three-year agreement."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters