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.