Growing Unrest: CVS Workers Strike as Challenges Mount in Southern California

Growing Unrest: CVS Workers Strike as Challenges Mount in Southern California

CVS workers in Southern California are striking, exposing the chaos within the company as it battles internal and financial turmoil amidst shareholder disagreements and store closures.

At a Glance

  • CBS workers at seven Southern California pharmacies strike for better pay and healthcare.
  • Current CVS turmoil includes declining financial metrics and leadership changes.
  • Employees reported staffing issues that harm operations and customer service.
  • UFCW supports workers striving for parity, security, and contractual fairness.

Strike Details

Workers at seven CVS pharmacies in Southern California are striking, demanding higher pay, health benefits, and condemning what they describe as unfair contract negotiations. Reports indicate the strike affects four stores in Los Angeles and three in Orange County, where workers urge customers to honor picket lines. Voting concluded on September 29, with over 90% of the members from two local United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) unions supporting the strike.

Amy Thibault, a CVS spokesperson, expressed disappointment over the strike. She mentioned ongoing progress in contract negotiations, with tentative agreements made on pay increases and health insurance contributions, hinting at an optimistic resolution in the face of persistent employee unrest.

“We’re disappointed that our UFCW member colleagues have gone on strike at a few select locations in the Los Angeles area,” she stated in response to the unfolding labor dispute.

Company Challenges

Amid the labor unrest, CVS is dealing with significant challenges within the organization. Following the resignation of ex-CEO Karen Lynch after a dramatic 19% share decline and the imminent closure of 900 stores, CVS is clearly struggling. The company is facing an FTC lawsuit, alleging that it manipulated insulin pricing to garner rebates, creating further controversy. Employees cite understaffing, intensifying as the flu season begins, multiplying the workload and thwarting service quality.

Carlos Alfaro, a striking pharmacy technician, highlighted the burdens placed on employees: “We have to call [patients] constantly to get flu shots, push vaccines. This is a lot of extra work we’re expected to do, on top of filling medications at the pharmacy,” Alfaro said.

The strike follows CVS’s plan to cut nearly 3,000 jobs nationwide, a move mirroring its overall financial dilemmas. Additionally, reports reveal claims of intimidation against employees seeking union support. Technician Melissa Acosta discussed how inadequate staffing and locked merchandise often lead to service delays, exacerbating customer dissatisfaction.

Unionization Push

Nationally, the push for unionization has gained momentum, marking a pivotal period for CVS workers. 135 employees at the CVS specialty pharmacy in Redlands have filed a petition with the Pharmacy Guild to hold a union election, mirroring a nationwide campaign. CVS maintains its stance of recognizing employees’ rights to unionize while still preferring to address issues without union intervention.

Workers contend with the absence of livable wages and unaffordable healthcare plans, with union campaigns reinforcing this contentious labor climate. Many workers are calling for a boycott of CVS pharmacies in Long Beach and Anaheim over these pressing issues. The circumstances present a stark reminder of workers’ economic struggles, coming at a time when CVS is facing potential financial disaster.