Workers vote for strike against CVS pharmacy in California, although talks are expected to resume

A UFCW local announced Friday that an “overwhelming majority” of union members who work at CVS have authorized a strike against the pharmacy.

Local 135 represents more than 900 CVS Pharmacy employees in San Diego County. Statewide, more than 7,400 UFCW members from eight local unions, covering more than 380 CVS pharmacy locations, participated in the strike authorization vote this week.

The strike is reportedly based on multiple unfair labor practice charges brought by the union against CVS and filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

The final decision to strike will be made by the UFCW bargaining committee, made up of CVS workers and UFCW leaders.

The employees are demanding an end to alleged unfair labor practices while calling for “fair wages,” full benefits and safe staffing levels “to prevent theft, burnout and unsafe working conditions.”

The workers’ contract expired almost three months ago. Negotiations are expected to resume on October 16.

“Our members have made it clear that CVS must do better…We will use this strike authorization to continue to push for an end to these unfair practices and for a contract that respects the contributions of our members,” the chapter president said. UFCW Local 135, Todd Walters.

Over the past several weeks, UFCW Local 135 has held “customer actions” at several non-union CVS pharmacies in San Diego County. Another is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday in Ocean Beach.

A CVS spokeswoman, Amy Thibault, told the Guardian the company had agreed to some concessions.

“We are in active discussions with the UFCW and are confident we can reach an agreement that supports workplace safety, appropriate staffing and competitive wages and benefits,” she said. “There is still much to do, but we are determined to work together. »

The publication reports that the UFCW is seeking raises of $3.60 an hour for those with less seniority, up to raises of $6.35 for senior technicians. CVS’s offers are $4 per hour lower on these terms.

Local 135 is part of the 1.3 million-member United Food and Commercial Workers union.

The local represents more than 12,000 workers in San Diego and Imperial counties in industries including grocery, retail, pharmacy, meat processing, gaming, cannabis and more Again.