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It is that time
again. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on February 1, 2013.
The Costco Wholesale labor representatives and the representatives from both
the East Coast and California Teamsters representing over 16,000 members will
meet this fall to negotiate a new agreement.
Costco employees
continue to have the highest wages and best benefit package in the retail industry. Be sure to convey any suggestions for
changes or clarifications of the
contract you may have to your Steward or Business Agent. The East Coast
Union is continuing the fight to allow Union members the right to vote for a
Pension Plan like the California Teamsters currently have. If and when you have an opportunity to speak with Regional
representatives of Costco Wholesale
let them know you want a Pension Plan like California Teamsters enjoy. Ask, Why are we not allowed to choose such
a benefit?
Under the Union
contract, our member's seniority rights, hours and representation are
guaranteed unlike employees employed at Non-Union warehouses. I can't tell you how many members who have said in the past
"I don't need a Union." Or "What does a Union do for me?"
Unfortunately, they realize the
importance after transferring to a Non-Union warehouse. They say, "Now I
realize how important having a Union is." Employees with over 20 years with the company are scheduled however management
chooses and their seniority has no
bearing whatsoever. One cashier at a recently complained, " I have
been with Costco for over 21-years and am working 12:30pm to 9:00pm, and new
hires are coming before me at 9:00am."
A number of people who have transferred from a Union warehouse to a Non-Union
warehouse have tried to return to their original Union warehouse because they realize more than ever the
importance of seniority and a Union Contract. Another change they
realize is at a Non-Union warehouse many employees
are told to go home early when cutting hours, and are told they can use sick, vacation
or personal hours for their hours lost. In a Union warehouse, this practice does not exist. It is the Employee's
choice if they wish to leave early.
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