CVS workers picket across Southern California as strike continues

Workers across seven CVS locations in Southern California are continuing to strike into the weekend, alleging unfair labor practices.

Thousands of workers are participating from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, who are demanding more fair pay and improved working conditions.

“A strike is always workers’ last resort when they are fighting for the contract they deserve, but CVS has engaged in multiple labor violations from allegedly unlawfully surveilling workers and retaliating against workers for union activity,” a spokesperson from the UFCW said in a statement. “All these actions hinder CVS workers from getting the contract they deserve, and are nothing more than an attempt to strong-arm workers into accepting an offer that is less than what they need to thrive in Southern California.”

Despite the store remaining open on Saturday, workers picketed outside the Buena Park CVS pleading for a better deal and for a raise. About 7,000 workers are participating in the strike, and that number can grow as Rite Aid pharmacy workers consider a strike of their own.

The union said the strike is supposed to last a few days, but workers could walk out again if the company doesn’t meet demands.

CVS has laid off thousands of corporate workers in recent months amid a restructure at the top.

The UFCW said while seven Southern California stores are currently on strike, more could join if a second walk out is approved in the coming days and weeks.

In a statement to KTLA, a CVS spokesperson said the following:

“We’re disappointed that our UFCW member colleagues have gone on strike at seven locations in the Los Angeles area.”

“We’ve had more than a dozen good faith negotiating sessions with the UFCW over the last several months, including six since the contract expired in June. Over the course of these discussions, we’ve made progress on finalizing a contract and have already reached tentative agreements that will increase the rate of pay for store associates, with additional increases for colleagues with 5+ years of service and colleagues with 10+ years of service. In addition, we’ve agreed not to reduce any benefit they currently have and offered to increase the amount of money CVS Health contributes toward the cost of health insurance for those enrolled in company-sponsored health insurance.”

There’s more to do, but we’re committed to working together. We look forward to reconvening with UFCW to continue negotiations and hope to finalize an agreement soon.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.