• The Teamsters union, representing over 18,000 Costco employees, has voted overwhelmingly to authorize a nationwide strike if a new contract is not reached by January 31, when the current agreement expires. The union's leadership criticized Costco's recent proposals as inadequate, particularly in light of the company's reported $254 billion in annual revenue. This labor action reflects growing tensions in the retail sector, where workers are increasingly vocal about their demands for fair wages and benefits amid rising living costs.

• The potential strike at Costco comes amid a broader wave of labor unrest across various sectors, including recent strikes at Starbucks and Amazon. As labor disputes escalate, companies are facing pressure to address employee concerns regarding compensation and working conditions. A strike at Costco could disrupt operations at one of the largest retailers in the U.S., impacting supply chains and customer service, while also influencing public perception of the company, which has built a reputation for treating its workers well.