As Costco is embroiled in a controversy over its DEI policies, another battle is brewing but with 18,000 of their own employees, who may walk off the job as soon as this week.

Despite Costco claims it has a stable “cared-for employee base,” over 18,000 employees disagree. Costco Teamsters have voted to strike on Jan. 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.

Costco Teamsters authorized a nationwide strike against the national retailer over its contract for 18,000 workers.