The Costco Teamsters approved a strike if a contract agreement is not met by Jan. 31, when its current deal with the retailer expires. The union represents more than 18,000 employees nationwide. A union representing thousands of Costco employees voted to authorize a strike,

Thousand of Costco Teamsters across the U.S. are preparing to strike by the end of the month if the company does not present a "fair contract offer," the union says.

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.

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

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

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.

Teamsters working for retail 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

Thousands of Costco workers could strike by February after negotiations for an updated bargaining contract continue to strain.

Costco‘s unionized workers voted to strike if they fail to agree to a contract by Jan. 31. The strike would affect more than 600 locations nationwide. A group of about 18,000 unionized workers voted in favor of the move in order to negotiate pay increases,

Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien said: "Our members have spoken loud and clear — Costco must deliver a fair contract, or they’ll be held accountable. "From day one,