Key Takeaways Costco Wholesale employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union voted overwhelmingly to authorize a nationwide strike should they not reach a new labor agreement by the end of the month.

Teamsters working for wholesale giant Costco voted to authorize a strike ahead of a Jan. 31 contract expiration, the labor group said in a statement. The contract covers more than 18,000 Costco

At practice pickets in Sumner, workers held red, white and blue signs with the words “Strike Ready! A taste of what’s to come!” and “Just sampling.”

As their contract nears expiration, thousands of Costco workers in the United States vote in favor of a nationwide strike due to stalled negotiations. The Teamsters union demands better wages and benefits,

The Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement, which covers more than 18,000 workers nationwide, expires on January 31.

More than 18,000 Costco workers will be walking picket lines in less than two weeks if a labor dispute over wages and benefits is not resolved, according to the Teamsters union. Members voted by an 85% margin to authorize a strike when their current contract expires on Jan. 31, the union announced on Sunday.

Teamsters said its members voted in favor of a strike as they entered a final round of talks to reach a new contract ahead of a Jan. 31 deadline.

Members of the Teamsters union have authorized a strike against Costco on Feb. 1 unless they reach a deal with the warehouse retailer before the current contract expires on Jan. 31.

Costco Teamsters said 85% of its members voted to strike if they don't reach a contract agreement with the warehouse club retail company.

Teamsters for Costco Wholesale voted to authorize a strike ahead of an agreement ending on Jan. 31, the union group announced.

Costco must deliver a fair contract, or they’ll be held accountable," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.