The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents more than 10,000 Costco workers, authorized a nationwide strike to occur in February.

This story was originally published on Supermarketnews.

With a master agreement with the Teamsters set to expire in 10 days, affecting 18,000 of the retailer's workers, hundreds last week held practice pickets.

Costco Teamsters nationwide have voted by an 85% margin to authorize a strike on Feb. 1 if its labor dispute over fair wages and benefits is not resolved. The Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement, covering more than 18,000 Costco workers, expires on Jan. 31.

The union, which represents more than 18,000 workers at Costco, said 85% of its members voted to authorize a strike.

Thousands of Costco workers nationwide voted to authorize a strike if a contract is not reached by the end of the month.

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

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

Costco Teamsters have approved a strike authorization, which could take effect soon if a new contract is not agreed to.

If it goes forward, the strike will be one of the first major labor struggles under the second Trump administration.

Find out why more than 18,000 Costco workers have voted in favor of a strike warehouses across the country — and what it could mean for shoppers.