Workers at seven CVS pharmacies in Southern California have gone on strike for better pay, health care, and to protest what they say is bad-faith contract bargaining by the company. The walkout affected four stores in Los Angeles and three in Orange County, with workers picketing outside to urge customers not to cross the picket lines. Melissa Acosta, a pharmacy technician and member of the contract bargaining committee, accused CVS of intimidating workers and preventing them from speaking to union representatives. Despite the strike, the affected CVS locations remained open, staffed by managers and nonunion employees, as workers planned to picket until negotiations resume on Wednesday.
The strike was authorized by a vote of the two local United Food and Commercial Workers unions involved, with more than 90% in favor. CVS company spokesperson, Amy Thibault, expressed disappointment over the strike but mentioned that the company has made progress on reaching a final contract. Thibault stated that CVS has reached tentative agreements to raise pay and increase the company’s health insurance contributions. However, Acosta mentioned that she cannot afford the insurance plan offered by CVS and instead enrolls in the state-run program, Covered California. Major pharmacy chains across the country have been struggling with costs and online competition, with CVS nearing the end of a three-year plan to close 900 stores.
CVS pharmacy technicians, who undergo extensive training and licensing requirements, currently make $24.90 an hour after five years on the job, according to the union. Carlos Alfaro, a technician who joined the strike, highlighted the issue of understaffing at stores, especially as the flu season begins. As pharmacists are expected to fulfill additional responsibilities such as calling patients for flu shots and pushing vaccines, the lack of adequate staff becomes a pressing concern. Workers also mentioned that many stores have begun locking up items as an anti-shoplifting measure, further increasing the workload on employees who must assist customers in unlocking items. This practice contributes to the perception that employees are unhelpful, when in reality, they lack staffing to provide excellent customer service.
In addition to better pay and healthcare, workers are also asking for improved store security and other demands. CEO Karen Lynch of CVS Health, which owns the chain, recently stepped down as shares dropped by 19%. The company has been facing challenges due to rising costs and increased online competition in the pharmacy industry. Despite the ongoing strike, CVS has expressed hope to reach a final agreement with the workers and resume normal operations at the affected pharmacies in Southern California. The strike has brought attention to the struggles faced by frontline workers in the healthcare industry, as they continue to fight for better working conditions, fair pay, and improved benefits.
