Workers Vote for Strike Against CVS Pharmacy in California Though Talks Set to Resume

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

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

The strike would be based on multiple unfair labor practice charges by the union against CVS that have been filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

The final decision on whether to strike will be made by the UFCW bargaining committee, composed of CVS workers and UFCW leadership.

Employees are demanding an end to the alleged unfair labor practices while calling for “fair” wages, comprehensive benefits and safe staffing levels “to prevent theft, burnout, and hazardous working conditions.”

The workers’ contract expired almost three months ago. Negotiations are set to resume Oct. 16.

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

Over the last few weeks, UFCW Local 135 has held “customer actions” at multiple non-union CVS Pharmacy locations throughout San Diego County. Another is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday in Ocean Beach.

A CVS spokeswoman, Amy Thibault, told The Guardian that the company has agreed to some concessions.

“We’re 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’s more to do, but we’re committed to working together.”

The publication reported that UFCW is seeking raises of $3.60 an hour for those with less seniority up to increases of $6.35 for lead technicians. CVS’ offers fall as much as $4 an hour short of those terms.

Local 135 is part of the United Food and Commercial Workers union, with 1.3 million members.

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