Is Costco ethical?

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Labor & working conditions Confirmed

Costco expels union reps and harasses workers

Costco expels union representatives and harasses workers for wearing union buttons, sending employees home, removing union literature, and changing locks on union bulletin boards.

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finance.yahoo.com
The Teamsters recently filed unfair labor practice charges against Costco for expelling union representatives, harassing workers for wearing union buttons, sending employees home, removing union literature, and even changing locks on union bulletin boards.
Notably, Costco rejected a proposal that would protect the union's right to post on bulletin boards without interference — an agreement that could have addressed some of these labor board complaints.

Workplace equity Confirmed

Hamilton James defended workplace inclusion policies

Board chairman Hamilton James defended the company's approach to workplace inclusion at the annual shareholders meeting, countering a shareholder proposal led by a conservative think tank.

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geekwire.com
At its annual shareholders meeting on Thursday, board chairman Hamilton James defended the company’s approach to workplace inclusion, which was challenged by a shareholder proposal spearhead by a conservative think tank.

Workplace equity Confirmed

Costco has formal diversity office

Costco maintains a formal diversity office and program internally.

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fortune.com
Internally, Costco has kept a formal diversity office and program in place, even as management remains predominantly white—a contrast the company acknowledges while pledging to keep pushing toward its DEI goals.

Workplace equity Confirmed

Costco employs chief diversity officer

Costco employs a chief diversity officer and considers race and gender in hiring, promotions, and supplier selection.

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finance.yahoo.com
Costco continues to employ a chief diversity officer; considers race and gender in hiring, promotions, and selecting its suppliers; and supports organizations "that advance the discriminatory agenda of DEI."

People connected to Costco