On the morning of October 18, CVS employees in Southern California, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 770, announced a strike that is set to continue until October 19. The strike has already involved employees from four stores in Los Angeles and three in Orange County. This action follows the expiration of the labor contract in June, during which the union accused CVS of unfair labor practices while seeking a new agreement. CVS, however, maintains that they have engaged in good faith negotiations and have reached preliminary agreements on key issues.
The union represents nearly 7,000 CVS employees, and last month, its members voted in favor of a strike. Union leaders expressed that their protests are aimed at what they describe as illegal activities by CVS that disrupt negotiations and prevent employees from achieving a fair contract. The UFCW alleges that CVS has illegally monitored employees, retaliated against union activities, and prohibited staff from participating in union efforts.
Additionally, approximately 3,500 Rite Aid employees in California are currently voting to authorize a strike, which could see them join the CVS workers in their protests.
According to the union, the average hourly wage for CVS staff is below $20, which makes it difficult for them to afford health insurance through CVS. The union also highlighted that pharmacy technicians, after completing extensive training through the CVS Pharmacy Technician Training Program and meeting all state licensing and certification requirements, only earn about $24.90 an hour after five years.
In response to the strike, CVS expressed disappointment. In a statement, the company noted, “Over the past few months, we have engaged in multiple good faith negotiations with the UFCW, having held six meetings since the June contract expiration. During this time, we reached preliminary agreements to raise employee wages and offer additional pay for employees who have served for more than five and ten years.”
Furthermore, CVS assured that there would be no cuts to the current benefits of their employees and proposed premium assistance for those enrolled in the company’s health insurance plan. The company looks forward to resuming negotiations with UFCW on Wednesday, October 23, in hopes of reaching a final agreement as soon as possible.
