Workers at America's largest wholesale retailer may soon go on strike as the corporation has seen profits skyrocket in recent years, union officials said. Costco workers nationwide voted by an overwhelming 85-percent margin to authorize a strike,

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.

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.