Rite Aid Contract Negotiations Updates 2024

24 November 2024
in: What's Happening

November 24, 2024

Our Rite Aid Contract Has Been Ratified

Our new three-year agreement with Rite Aid has officially been ratified. Thank you for taking the time to vote and ensuring your voice was heard.

Because of our solidarity and commitment to fighting for the contract we deserve, our new contract includes:

Significant wage increases each year of the contract for all workers. Initial increases will be retroactive to July 21, 2024.
New longevity rates at 10 and 15 years.
Protection of health care and pension benefits. Rite Aid has agreed to fully fund all health care and pension benefits with no changes for the duration of the contract.
Protections to full-time and part-time guaranteed hours that the company tried to reduce.
Elimination of lunch waiver practice.

This victory is a direct result of our power at the bargaining table and in our stores.

From every meeting we attended to the rallies we participated in and the petitions we signed, these actions gave us the strength to reach this agreement. The solidarity and record turnout we achieved in this fight means we are that much stronger for our next contract campaign—and that campaign starts now.

Stay engaged with our union – the power of our collective solidarity and strength puts us in a better position when we return to the table in three years. We can no longer be just Rite Aid workers fighting for Rite Aid workers. It must be UFCW 324 members fighting for UFCW 324 members.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Steward or Union Representative.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Bargaining Committee

—

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 24, 2024

CONTACT: Jenna Thompson, jthompson@ufcw324.org

Rite Aid Workers Ratify Strong Contract Agreement

Contract provides largest monetary increases ever for over 3,500 Rite Aid workers in Southern California

Buena Park, CA – Today, members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Rite Aid. The agreement was reached after months of negotiations and active participation from thousands of pharmacists, pharmacy clerks, and technicians in Southern California.

The seven UFCW Locals released the following statement:

“Today, by ratifying this contract, Rite Aid workers secured historic wage increases for every member, protected our health benefits and secured our pension. After countless hours at the bargaining table, the hard-working UFCW members stood together for their families and each other and won a strong contract. This contract is a concrete and direct result of the tireless work of the member-led bargaining committee and our members’ engagement in the fight. Our members are fighting for a more promising future, and this contract will help to achieve that goal.”

BACKGROUND

Key provisions of the agreement include:

Significant wage increases each year of the contract for all workers. Initial increases will be retroactive to July 21, 2024.
New longevity rates at 10 and 15 years.
Protection of health care and pension benefits. Rite Aid has agreed to fully fund all health care and pension benefits with no changes for the duration of the contract.
Protections to full-time and part-time guaranteed hours that the company tried to reduce.
Elimination of lunch waiver practice.

This contract will go into effect immediately for over 3,500 essential pharmacy workers in Rite Aid locations across Southern California.

# # #

November 19, 2024

Rite Aid Contract Clerks Handout November 2024 (1-2) Rite Aid Contract Clerks Handout November 2024 (2-2) Rite Aid Wage Chart 11.20.24 Rite Aid Pharmacist Contract Handout November 2024 (1-2) Rite Aid Pharmacist Contract Handout November 2024 (2-2).pdf Rite Aid Pharmacists Wage Chart 2024

November 15, 2024

Breaking Alert: We’ve Reached a Tentative Agreement on our Rite Aid Contract

We have reached a tentative agreement with Rite Aid! For the last four months, we have been fighting hard for a fair contract – from actions, delegations, rallies, petitions, and conversations with our co-workers and customers, we have shown the strength that comes when workers stand together for a better life.

After months of intense bargaining, the company moved significantly, providing the largest monetary increases we’ve ever seen at Rite Aid, and we have finally secured a tentative agreement that we want to share with you. This agreement delivers: wage increases for every member, protections for your health benefits and secures your pension, but nothing is final until all members can review the offer and vote on it.

This tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we showed during the bargaining process. We stood up to the company’s unfair labor practices and showed them we were willing to fight for the contract we deserved. The power we showed at our stores translated to power at the bargaining table. Our solidarity and this victory will send a strong message to workers everywhere – when we fight, we win!

Next Steps

Remember, this is a tentative agreement. It is not final until you vote to accept it.

You will have a chance to read through the deal and have your questions answered before you vote. We will schedule the vote shortly, so please look out for updates from your Local union.

We are canceling our webinar tonight at 6PM because we are waiting for the deal in writing with Rite Aid. We will reschedule as soon as possible and send you an invite via text.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

ESPAÑOL

Alerta de Último Momento: Hemos logrado un Acuerdo Tentativo de Nuestro Contrato con Rite Aid

¡Hemos logrado un acuerdo tentativo con Rite Aid! En los últimos cuatro meses, hemos estado luchando fuerte por un contrato justo –desde acciones, delegaciones, manifestaciones, peticiones y conversaciones con nuestros compañeros de trabajo y clientes, hemos demostrado la fuerza que surge cuando los trabajadores luchamos unidos por una mejor vida.

Después de meses de intensas negociaciones, la compañía mejoró significativamente, dando los aumentos más grandes que hemos visto en Rite Aid y por fin hemos asegurado un acuerdo tentativo que queremos compartir contigo. Este acuerdo da: aumentos de sueldo para todos los miembros, protecciones a tus beneficios de salud y asegura tu pensión, pero nada es definitivo hasta que todos los miembros puedan revisar la oferta y votar.

Este acuerdo tentativo no hubiera sido posible sin la fuerza que mostramos durante nuestro proceso de negociaciones. Le hicimos frente a las prácticas laborales injustas de la compañía y le demostramos que estábamos dispuestos a luchar por el contrato que merecemos. El poder que mostramos en nuestras tiendas se tradujo a poder en la mesa de negociaciones. Nuestra solidaridad y esta victoria mandan un fuerte mensaje a los trabajadores en todas partes –¡Cuando luchamos, ganamos!

Próximos Pasos

Recuerda, este es un acuerdo tentativo. No es final hasta que votes para aceptarlo.

Tendrás una oportunidad de leer el acuerdo y que tus preguntas sean contestadas antes de que votes. Pronto vamos a programar la votación, por favor mantente atento a las actualizaciones de parte de tu Local de Unión.

Hemos cancelado nuestra llamada que teníamos programada para hoy a las 6PM ya que estamos esperando el acuerdo con Rite Aid por escrito. La vamos a reprogramar lo más pronto posible y te mandaremos una invitación vía texto.

En Solidaridad,

Tu Comité de Negociaciones de UFCW ante Rite Aid

November 7, 2024

For the past two days, we met to negotiate our contract with Rite Aid and, once again, the company came ill-prepared after over four months at the bargaining table.

But they were prepared to offer us insulting wage proposals that grossly underestimate our value to the company. WE are the ones who continued to serve customers and saved their business during their bankruptcy, and now we are being told they can’t afford to give us more than dimes.

Moreover, Rite Aid said multiple times they wouldn’t touch our healthcare. But now they are trying to propose language that threatens the hard-fought health benefits we’ve earned.

Meanwhile, they continue to bully us and intimidate us with multiple unfair labor practices.

We have given them our bottom line and demanded an answer by November 15th. Now it’s up to them to respond.

As a reminder, Rite Aid members across Southern California overwhelmingly voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike to protest Rite Aid’s illegal and disrespectful treatment, including: offering incentives to employees not to sign the worker demand petition, bargaining directly with employees and bypassing the Union in an attempt to convince employees to waive their lunch penalty in violation of the contract, and unilaterally implementing a bonus in an attempt to increase the number of vaccines administered. These actions are not only illegal, but designed to intimidate us into accepting an insulting offer that is far less than we deserve.

We are continuing to prepare for a ULP strike with strike-ready actions.

We’ve scheduled a member webinar on Friday, November 15 @ 6pm to discuss our next steps. Register for the webinar here: https://bit.ly/RiteAidWebinarNov15

A ULP Strike Authorization DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ON STRIKE. You should continue to go to work according to your work schedule until an official representative of the union notifies you that a strike impacting your store has started. It’s very important to stay in touch with your steward and union rep who will be communicating information to members in the stores about actions and next steps in real time. IF YOU WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE THE UNION DECLARES A STRIKE, YOU CAN BE DISCIPLINED AND/OR FIRED.

As always, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Rep, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

RITE AID UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE STRIKE FAQs

From the thousands of signatures collected on petitions from workers to the hundreds of people who have attended rallies at Rite Aid stores this Summer, Rite Aid workers across Southern California are stronger than ever and Rite Aid sees that.

Now they are resorting to tired tactics from an old playbook to confuse us and divide us. They know that if we continue to stand together, they will have no choice but to give us the contract we deserve. Member participation is essential in all actions to continue to show Rite Aid that workers are willing to fight and strike, if necessary, for a fair contract that respects our work and our essential role in our communities.

While we don’t want to strike, we will take any action available to us to obtain a fair contract, and a strike is one of the many tools we have to give us the leverage we need to win. A strike is always the last resort, but workers must be prepared to walk out if it comes to that. The best way to avoid a strike is for Rite Aid to truly believe their workers will strike.

Below are some frequently asked questions we are hearing from our members about your contract and a possible strike:

Will there be a contract extension?

We signed contract extensions through October 21 at 5PM. After that date, the bargaining team has made the strategic decision that we will not agree to a contract extension because a contract extension would prevent our ability to go on strike. We want to have all the tools available to continue to fight for a fair contract. Through the bankruptcy process, Rite Aid has discharged over $2 billion in debt. Our members deserve a fair contract that respects their essential work and provides them with the wages and benefits that reflect their vital healthcare role and the staffing and store safety required to improve customers’ shopping experience.

What does it mean that our contract will expire without reaching an agreement on a new one?

An expired contract DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ON STRIKE. All contract provisions/protections remain in place while we are negotiating, including your health insurance. You should continue to go to work according to your work schedule until an official representative of the union notifies you that a strike impacting your store has started. It’s very important to stay in touch with your steward and union rep who will be communicating information to members in the stores about actions and next steps in real time. IF YOU WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE THE UNION DECLARES A STRIKE, YOU CAN BE DISCIPLINED AND/OR FIRED.

What is a strike?

A strike is when members vote to withhold their labor and do not report to work. Workers instead report to a picket line. A strike is a powerful tool for members to exercise and is always our last resort. Strikes are most effective when all employees in a struck location refuse to go to work.

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP)?

A ULP is when the company interferes with or discriminates against workers for their union activities. This violates federal labor law. Examples of a ULP include not allowing you to wear buttons, filming or keeping an eye on you at union actions, or otherwise retaliating against you for union activity. We have filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against Rite Aid for offering incentives to employees not to sign the worker demand petition, bargaining directly with employees and bypassing the Union in an attempt to convince employees to waive their lunch penalty in violation of the contract, and unilaterally implementing a bonus in an attempt to increase the number of vaccines administered. We contend that these actions by the company are unlawful and ultimately harming our ability to get a fair contract and by filing charges, we show will not be intimidated by their threats.

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike?

A ULP strike is when workers walk off the job and/or do not go to work per their scheduled shift to protest unfair labor practices the company has allegedly committed.

What is an economic strike?

An economic strike is a work stoppage by workers seeking economic benefits such as wages, hours, or other working conditions. An economic strike happens when the employer, employees and their union are unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement and the most recent proposal on the table is unacceptable to employees.

How is an economic strike different from an unfair labor practice strike?

Striking to protest unfair labor practices (unlike an economic strike) means that workers can not be permanently replaced. In addition, workers can return to work without a contract being approved.

Would my job be protected while on an unfair labor practice strike?

Employees who strike to protest an unfair labor practice committed by their employer are called unfair labor practice strikers. When the strike ends, unfair labor practice strikers, absent serious misconduct on their part, are entitled to have their jobs back even if employees hired to do their work have to be discharged. (source: https://www.nlrb.gov/strikes)

What has to happen for us to strike?

Three steps must be taken before we can legally strike:

The contract must expire or otherwise not be in effect
At least two-thirds of the workers in the Southern California bargaining unit who participate in the vote must vote to authorize negotiators to call a strike
The negotiators (union leaders and workers on the bargaining committee) must decide WHEN to strike in order to make it most effective.
1. A Union representative will notify workers it is time to walk out on the line.

AGAIN: DO NOT WALK OUT UNTIL YOUR UNION NOTIFIES YOU. If you walk out before that, you could be disciplined and/or fired by your employer.

When would we go on strike?

We would not automatically go on strike and TAKING A STRIKE VOTE DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ON STRIKE. A date would be set following a vote from the membership authorizing the strike and following strike sanctions from our International Union and Labor Councils. In the period between the strike authorization vote and the strike deadline, the union would continue to attempt to bargain with Rite Aid. Sometimes the results of the strike vote get the Employer to come to a fair agreement. For example, strongly rejecting a contract by all the workers sends a message to the employer that we are united in fighting for a better agreement. IF YOU WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE THE UNION DECLARES A STRIKE, YOU CAN BE DISCIPLINED AND/OR FIRED.

If we go on strike, when would we picket?

Picket Captains would set a schedule along with the union representative for picket coverage during open hours to maximize our effort to send customers somewhere else while we are on strike.

If we go on strike, how long would we be on strike?

Nobody can predict how long we will be on strike. UFCW Local 7 in Colorado was on strike for 10 days and in Oregon, the grocery workers’ strike was only 36 hours. ULP strikes can be for a set period. If we go on strike, our union leaders and bargaining committee will determine the length that is most strategic for us to be out in order to win the contract we deserve. Ultimately, the length of time of a potential strike depends on a number of factors, but how well customers are honoring our strike is clearly the most important.

Will we receive pay while on strike?

The union has a strike fund that pays a benefit to striking workers. The UFCW 324 Executive Board has approved a benefit of $130 per day up $650 per week for clerks and $150 per day up to $750 per week week for techs. Pharmacists are approved for $400 per day up to $2,000 per week.

What will happen to members who cross the picket line if we go on strike?

Strikes are hard on everyone, but they’re only effective when ALL the members remain united and demand the company treat their employees with dignity and respect. When members cross the picket line they are letting the company know the members are divided. Ultimately this will result in a weaker contract. The UFCW 324 Executive Board has the authority to determine if and what actions may be taken against scabs.

What happens if members simply stay home? (Don’t walk the picket line but don’t go to work)

Again, strikes are most effective when ALL workers remain united and show the companies our power. When workers don’t walk the picket line that sends a message to the company that we are not united and may result in a weaker contract.

Could I work somewhere else while on strike?

Yes. However, you must show up for your picketing shifts to receive the strike benefit, but your union representative can help you find other work around your picket shifts. Our strength has always been in our connection to our customers, and if we’re on strike, we need to make sure those customers shop at our other union locations until we return to work. Your continued participation is necessary for a successful strike.

Can they close the store, fire us, and then reopen as non-union?

Rite Aid may threaten this as a scare tactic to discourage workers from going on strike. This is a violation of national labor law.

Do I keep my same job classification and pay once a strike is over and I go back to work?

A ULP strike would not affect your job classification. The terms of returning to work depend on the contract we win. The stronger our power is on the picket line, the greater the chances that we will return to work with significant raises and improved working conditions.

What is the difference between a strike and a lockout?

A strike is an action initiated by the union while a lockout is an action initiated by the employer.

What if I have more questions?

There are many questions members will have throughout this process. Stay in touch with your steward, bargaining team member, or union representative throughout this process. The most important factor in winning a strong contract is our power and our solidarity. Staying informed is critical to staying united.

Follow us on the UFCW 324 website (https://ufcw324.org/riteaid-updates/), our social media accounts and make sure you are on our text message distribution list. If you’re not receiving text messages, contact your union representative to ensure you get added.

Remember: the best way to get the contract you deserve is to show Rite Aid that we’re united and stronger than ever.

October 21, 2024

We met with Rite Aid for another bargaining session today, and they knew our contract extension expired at 5pm tonight. Yet, once again, Rite Aid did not come prepared to demonstrate respect for their hardworking employees. Their proposals continue to be inadequate and are out of touch with what we need and deserve.

Despite the fact that our contract is expired, remember, that all contract provisions/protections remain in place while we are negotiating, including your health insurance.

While we’ve been at the table trying to reach a deal, they’ve been breaking the law by committing numerous unfair labor practices, like offering incentives to employees not to sign petitions, bargaining directly with employees and bypassing the union in an attempt to convince employees to waive the company’s lunch penalty in violation of our contract, unilaterally implementing a bonus in an attempt to boost vaccination rate, and refusing to provide information necessary for bargaining.

Their illegal activity is making it more difficult for us to negotiate a fair agreement, but we have the power. Last Friday, the same day CVS members walked off the job, thousands of Rite Aid members across Southern California overwhelmingly voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike to protest Rite Aid’s illegal and disrespectful treatment.

We have two additional negotiation dates – November 6 and 7, 2024. In the meantime, we must stay united and strong. Join CVS workers on their picket lines and be sure to support your own if and when a Rite Aid ULP strike is called.

As always, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Rep, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

October 18, 2024

Rite Aid Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize a ULP Strike

Thousands of Rite Aid Pharmacy workers represented by UFCW local unions in Southern California have overwhelmingly voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike.

Rite Aid members have been working for over two months with an expired contract, and Rite Aid has refused to make us a fair offer. And while we’ve been at the table trying to reach a deal, they’ve been breaking the law by committing numerous unfair labor practices, like offering incentives to employees not to sign petitions, bargaining directly with employees and bypassing the union in an attempt to convince employees to waive the company’s lunch penalty in violation of our contract and unilaterally implementing a bonus in an attempt to boost vaccination rates.

Their illegal activity is making it more difficult for us to negotiate a fair agreement. It’s time for Rite Aid to acknowledge our collective power and come back to the negotiating table with fair contract offers that truly reflect the value of our essential healthcare services and the company’s financial success.

A ULP Strike Authorization DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ON STRIKE. All contract provisions/protections remain in place while we are negotiating, including your health insurance. You should continue to go to work according to your work schedule until an official representative of the union notifies you that a strike impacting your store has started. It’s very important to stay in touch with your steward and union rep who will be communicating information to members in the stores about actions and next steps in real time. IF YOU WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE THE UNION DECLARES A STRIKE, YOU CAN BE DISCIPLINED AND/OR FIRED.

Our next bargaining session is set for Monday, October 21, 2024. In the meantime, Rite Aid workers must stand together with the CVS workers on strike to show Rite Aid that drug-retail pharmacy workers deserve respect!

Join CVS workers on the picket line at the following stores in your time off:

CVS #4043 – 3401 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720
CVS #9759 – 270 W Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92805
CVS #5837 – 7065 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
CVS #9686 – 4707 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
CVS #9212 – 1843 S La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035
CVS #9781 – 5985 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035
CVS #9626 – 1701 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Now is the time to demonstrate to Rite Aid that we mean business.

In solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 18, 2024

California Rite Aid Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Authorize a Strike over Unfair Labor Practices

The Vote Comes After Months of Unlawful Conduct by Employer During Contract Negotiations that Prevented Workers from Achieving the Fair Contract They Deserve

Buena Park, CA – Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union Locals 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428,1442 and 8GS, together representing 3,500 Rite Aid Pharmacy workers across California, announced an overwhelming membership vote in favor of authorizing their bargaining team to call for an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike should one be necessary.

The Rite Aid employees join nearly 7,000 CVS workers who recently authorized a ULP strike and began an unfair labor practice strike at seven stores in Southern California today. Over 10,000 pharmacy workers across the state are now primed to strike just as flu season ramps up.

The UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Team said in a statement:

“In July, we approached Rite Aid negotiations seeking a fair contract. Instead, we’ve faced disrespect, inadequate proposals disregarding our worth and the company’s wealth, and numerous labor violations. It’s clear our employer isn’t working with us in good faith.”

“Rite Aid has engaged in multiple unfair labor practices, including offering incentives to employees not to sign petitions, bargaining directly with employees and bypassing the union in an attempt to convince employees to waive the company’s lunch penalty in violation of our contract and unilaterally implementing a bonus in an attempt to boost vaccination rates. These tactics, intended to coerce us into accepting a subpar offer, are not only unacceptable but also unlawful.”

“Every worker deserves fair compensation without workplace intimidation. Rite Aid’s violations threaten our rights and hinder our ability to serve our customers and maintain patient health, leading us to take a stand with an unfair labor practice strike authorization vote.”

“As UFCW members, we’ve spoken loud and clear: Rite Aid’s behavior is unacceptable. Our overwhelming strike authorization vote demonstrates our resolve to fight for fair compensation, safe working conditions, and the opportunity to serve our communities without compromise.”

UFCW’s Rite Aid members took unfair labor practice strike authorization votes from October 15 through October 18, 2024, and joined CVS employees in preparation for a possible strike.

BACKGROUND

Seven UFCW Locals in California representing 3,500 Rite Aid workers filed unfair labor practice charges against Rite Aid for offering incentives to discourage employees from signing worker demand petitions, bypassing the contract and the union to bargain directly with employees, pressuring them to waive the company’s lunch penalty, and unilaterally implementing a bonus to boost vaccine administration.

Because of these multiple ULP violations, Rite Aid members have been prevented from getting the contract that they deserve and voted this week to authorize their bargaining committee to call for an unfair labor practice strike at any time should one become necessary.

The UFCW Rite Aid bargaining committee, made up of members and leaders from all seven UFCW Locals representing Rite Aid workers across California, has been in negotiations with the company since July 10, trying to reach a tentative contract agreement that respects Rite Aid employees’ essential work, reflects their vital healthcare role, and provides the staffing and store safety required to improve customers’ shopping experience.

Rite Aid continues to hide behind the emergence from bankruptcy and does not want to acknowledge its employees’ hard work and increased workloads during this uncertain and difficult period. The bankruptcy judge forgave $2 billion of Rite Aid’s debt, providing the company with financial stability and the ability to emerge from bankruptcy with a clean slate. They are absolutely able to provide fair pay and working conditions to the employees who have made that possible.

Throughout contract negotiations, hundreds of Rite Aid workers, customers, and union members from across the country have taken action by holding rallies, gathering petition signatures, and calling on the company to bargain in good faith and reach a fair and reasonable contract agreement with its workers.

The seven stores where CVS workers are on an unfair labor practice strike are:

CVS #4043 – 3401 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720
CVS #9759 – 270 W Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92805
CVS #5837 – 7065 La Palma Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
CVS #9686 – 4707 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
CVS #9212 – 1843 S La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035
CVS #9781 – 5985 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035
CVS #9626 – 1701 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

# # #

October 14, 2024

We met with Rite Aid for another bargaining session today, and once again, they continue to insist on significant rollbacks of benefits that we won over many years of fighting for what we deserve.

Check out where negotiations currently stand here: https://ufcw324.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Rite-Aid-10.14.24-Negotiation-Update-Handout.pdf

We are tired of the company continuing to complain that they are on the brink of an existential crisis that they need us to bail them out of. We are not here to save them from their own mismanagement. We are here to do our jobs to the best of our ability, serve our communities, and support our families.

Unfair Labor Practice Strike Authorization Voting is starting tomorrow and we are recommending a “YES” Vote to Authorize an Unfair Labor Practice Strike because Rite Aid has engaged in numerous UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES in an attempt to weaken our ability to achieve a fair contract at the bargaining table.

You will receive an email and a text at 8:00AM Tuesday October 15, 2024 with the voting information. You can vote electronically until Thursday October 17, 2024 at 5PM.

Should Rite Aid members join our union siblings at CVS in authorizing an Unfair Labor Practice Strike, 10,000 pharmacy workers in California would have the ability to go on strike just as flu season ramps up.

What’s next?

We have one more bargaining date set for October 21. We have agreed to a contract extension until October 21 at 5PM, but if the company continues to stonewall us and hide behind the excuse of their management-created bankruptcy as a reason for not giving us the contract we earned, we will continue to put pressure on the company and make our voices heard loud and clear.

As always, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Rep, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

September 27, 2024

After three days of bargaining this week, we are no closer to an agreement with Rite Aid. The company continues to push insulting proposals that take away our hard earned benefits and inadequately compensate us for the hard work we perform.

We have agreed to another contract extension until October 21 at 5PM and new negotiation dates of October 14 and 21. But ahead of those dates we’re going to force Rite Aid to hear what’s important to us. We deserve fair wages, more flexible scheduling and the vacation and sick time that we’ve earned.

And we are stepping up pressure on the company. We will discuss taking a strike vote on member webinars on October 3 for clerks and techs, and October 6 for pharmacists. Join one of these important meetings to ensure you know your rights and next steps to ensure a fair contract.

Clerks and Techs: Register for the October 3, 2024 webinar at 7PM here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B3PUV1gRT5WGGpvm0K5Qhg

Pharmacists: Register for the October 6, 2024 webinar at 7PM here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrfu6rpjsvGtNTC5fT7cSzPiGo9Ghh0r15

*pharmacists may join the October 3 meeting as well.

We are having a rally in Long Beach on Monday October 7 to show Rite Aid we mean business. Join us there!

Monday October 7 | 10AM – 12PM

Rite Aid #5520 – 3300 E Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90804

RSVP for the rally here: https://ufcw324.org/rite-aid-rally-10-7-24-rsvp/

Throughout all of this, we must remain united and strong. Rite Aid might try to divide us and convince us that their offer is adequate in light of the management-created bankruptcy. We know that is false. Rite Aid must respect the hard work you do in the stores every day.

As always, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Rep, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

Español

Sepiembre 27, 2024

Después de tres días de negociación esta semana, no estamos ni siquiera cerca de llegar a un acuerdo con Rite Aid. La empresa sigue impulsando propuestas insultantes que te quitan los beneficios que tanto te ha costado ganar y que te compensan de forma inadecuada por el arduo trabajo que realizas.

Hemos acordado otra extensión de contrato hasta el 21 de octubre a las 5 p. m. y nuevas fechas de negociación para el 14 y el 21 de octubre. Pero antes de esas fechas vamos a obligar a Rite Aid a escuchar lo que es importante para nosotros. Merecemos salarios justos, horarios más flexibles así como las vacaciones y el tiempo de enfermedad que nos hemos ganado.

Estamos aumentando la presión hacia la compañía. Haremos juntas virtuales con miembros para hablar sobre la posibilidad de votar a favor de una huelga, el 3 de octubre para los empleados administrativos y técnicos, y el 6 de octubre, para los farmacéuticos. Únete a estas importantes reuniones para asegurarte de conocer tus derechos y los próximos pasos para garantizar un contrato justo.

Empleados y Técnicos: Regístrate para la llamada del 3 de Octubre, 2024 a las 7PM aquí: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B3PUV1gRT5WGGpvm0K5Qhg

Farmacéuticos: Regístrate para la llamada del 6 de Octubre, 2024 a las 7PM aquí: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrfu6rpjsvGtNTC5fT7cSzPiGo9Ghh0r15

*Los farmacéuticos también pueden unirse a la llama del 3 de octubre.

Finalmente, tendremos una manifestación de protesta en Long Beach el Lunes 7 de Octubre para demostrar a Rite Aid que vamos en serio. ¡Allá nos vemos!

Lunes Octobre 7 | 10AM – 12PM

Rite Aid #5520 – 3300 E Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90804

RSVP/ Regístrate para la manifestación aquí: https://ufcw324.org/rite-aid-rally-10-7-24-rsvp/

A lo largo de toda esta lucha, debemos permanecer unidos y fuertes. Rite Aid podría intentar dividirnos y convencernos de que su oferta es adecuada. Sabemos que eso es falso. Rite Aid debe respetar el duro trabajo que tú haces en las tiendas todos los días.

Como siempre, si tienes alguna pregunta sobre la negociación o si hay algo en lo que podamos ayudarte, no dudes en comunicarte con tu delegado sindical, representante de la unión o miembro del comité de negociaciones.

En Solidaridad,

Tu Comité de Negociaciones de UFCW ante Rite Aid

September 9, 2024

We had a half day session with Rite Aid today and like usual, not much was accomplished. They continue to want to take away rights you currently have under your contract. Here are some of their take-away proposals:

Take away our hourly guarantees
Eliminate full time jobs
Redefine full time as 35 hours a week
Eliminate sick and vacation payouts
Eliminate the 5th week of vacation for anyone who hasn’t already reached 20 years
And more

Rite Aid continues to hide behind the emergence from bankruptcy, and does not want to acknowledge our hard work and increased work loads during this uncertain and difficult period. The bankruptcy judge is forgiving $2.5 billion of Rite Aid’s debt, which is providing the company with financial stability and the ability to emerge from bankruptcy with a clean slate. They are absolutely able to provide fair pay and working conditions to the employees that have made that possible.

We’re meeting with Rite Aid again on September 19, and 25-27. Rite Aid needs to hear that members are not going to back down and accept an inadequate offer. More than ever before, it’s important for us to stay united and demonstrate our strength.

It’s time to step up the pressure. If you haven’t participated in a delegation at your store, contact your union representative to arrange one. If you haven’t already signed the petition our Stewards, Union Reps, and fellow Bargaining Committee members have been circulating – make sure you sign and make your voice heard!

We’re also having rallies and other actions that show Rite Aid how much we’re willing to fight to get what we deserve. Join us at these actions so Rite Aid sees how united we are.

We know our customers are also fed up with Rite Aid. Especially how the company prioritizes products over people. Share this petition with your customers so they can stand with us in our fight for a fair contract that respects our work and their shopping experience: https://bit.ly/RiteAidWorkersUnitedPetition

As always, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Rep, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

August 15, 2024

Rite Aid’s Offer Is Still Not Nearly Enough

They keep using bankruptcy as an excuse to not give us what we deserve

We’ve met with Rite Aid for two more days this week, and while the company has made some movement in wages, it’s not enough to account for inflation and the high cost of living here in Southern California. Meanwhile, when it comes to safety, they are still not interested in doing what needs to be done to keep us safe. They brought a safety expert to negotiations who discussed the company’s plans for improving safety, but we don’t see that their plans are sufficient to make our stores safer.

We have agreed to sign an additional contract extension through September 27, 2024, and we have more negotiation sessions scheduled on September 9, 19, 25, 26 and 27. But the reality is we’re still far apart on a contract. It’s clear that Rite Aid needs to hear from all of us if they’re going to get serious about negotiating a fair contract that reflects our work and the value we bring to Rite Aid and our customers.

Delegations have begun to deliver the petitions we signed demanding a fair contract that respects our essential work, reflects our vital healthcare role and provides the staffing and store safety required to improve customers’ shopping experience. If you haven’t already, our Stewards, Union Reps, and fellow Bargaining Committee members have been circulating a petition in every one of our stores – make sure you sign and make your voice heard!

As always, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Rep, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

August 1, 2024

25 CENTS IS UNACCEPTABLE

On July 30 – August 1, 2024, we met with Rite Aid for our second round of bargaining. The proposal Rite Aid presented today is totally unacceptable! Rite Aid wants to take away many current protections we have in our contract and what’s even more insulting is that they only want to give you a wage increase of 0.25 cents.

Rite Aid keeps using bankruptcy as an excuse to not give us what we deserve, but we know we are the reason our customers and our patients come back to Rite Aid. The bankruptcy judge is forgiving $2.55 billion of Rite Aid’s debt, which is providing the company with financial stability and the ability to emerge from bankruptcy with a clean slate. They are absolutely able to reward the employees that have made that possible with a living wage.

We are also bargaining about other important issues. At today’s bargaining session, Rite Aid bargaining committee members shared their stories about the abuse, threats, and violence they face everyday at work and how Rite Aid did not provide adequate support or follow-up after these incidents. It’s time Rite Aid takes the safety of their employees and customers seriously by providing improved staffing and security measures in the stores.

Rite Aid’s continued success relies on treating it’s employees properly.

What’s Next?

We have two more bargaining dates scheduled on August 14 – 15, 2024 to bargain for the contract we deserve. In the meantime, Rite Aid needs to hear from all of us if they’re going to get serious about negotiating a fair contract.

That’s why your Stewards, Union Reps, and Bargaining Committee members have been circulating a petition in every one of our stores. Many of us have already signed, but if you haven’t had the chance, now is the time to make sure your voice is heard.

When the company sees us signing petitions and talking to co-workers, they’ll know that we are standing strong for a fair contract.

We are also standing up to Rite Aid’s unfair labor practices. Rite Aid has bypassed the contract and the union in an attempt to deal directly with employees, violating our rights, and we will file charges against the company tomorrow.

As always, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Rep, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

25 CENTAVOS ES INACEPTABLE

Del 30 de julio al 1 de agosto de 2024, nos reunimos con Rite Aid para nuestra segunda ronda de negociaciones. ¡La propuesta que Rite Aid presentó hoy es totalmente inaceptable! Rite Aid quiere quitarnos muchas de las protecciones actuales que tenemos en nuestro contrato y lo que es aún más insultante es que solo quieren darnos un aumento salarial de 0.25 centavos.

Rite Aid sigue usando la bancarrota como excusa para no darnos lo que merecemos, pero sabemos que somos la razón por la que nuestros clientes y nuestros pacientes vuelven a Rite Aid. El juez de bancarrotas está perdonando $2.55 mil millones de la deuda de Rite Aid, lo que le está brindando a la empresa estabilidad financiera y la capacidad de salir de la bancarrota con un borrón y cuenta nueva. Son absolutamente capaces de recompensar a los empleados que lo han hecho posible con un salario digno.

También estamos negociando sobre otros temas importantes. En la sesión de negociación de hoy, los miembros del comité de negociaciones de Rite Aid compartieron sus historias sobre el abuso, las amenazas y la violencia que enfrentan todos los días en el trabajo y cómo Rite Aid no brindó el apoyo o el seguimiento adecuados después de estos incidentes. Es hora de que Rite Aid se tome en serio la seguridad de sus empleados y clientes al tener suficiente personal y medidas de seguridad en las tiendas.

El éxito continuo de Rite Aid depende de que traten a sus empleados de manera adecuada.

¿Qué sigue?

Tenemos dos fechas de negociación más programadas para el 14 y 15 de agosto de 2024 para negociar el contrato que nos merecemos. Mientras tanto, Rite Aid necesita escucharnos a todos nosotros si va a tomar en serio la negociación de un contrato justo.

Es por eso que tus delegados, representantes sindicales y miembros del comité de negociaciones han estado circulando una petición en cada una de nuestras tiendas. Muchos de nosotros ya hemos firmado, pero si aún no ha tenido la oportunidad, ahora es el momento de asegurarse de que su voz sea escuchada.

Cuando la empresa nos vea firmando peticiones y hablando con compañeros de trabajo, sabrán que estamos defendiendo firmemente un contrato justo.

También nos estamos oponiendo a las prácticas laborales injustas de Rite Aid. Rite Aid ha pasado por alto el contrato y al sindicato en un intento de tratar directamente con los empleados, violando nuestros derechos, y mañana presentaremos cargos contra la empresa.

Como siempre, si tienes alguna pregunta sobre la negociación o si hay algo en lo que podamos ayudarte, no dudes en comunicarte con tu delegado, representante sindical o miembro del comité de negociación.

En solidaridad,

Tu comité de negociaciones de UFCW ante Rite Aid

July 10, 2024

What happened during our first bargaining session?

On July 10, we met with Rite Aid for our very first day of bargaining. We showed up at the table as a strong, united force of proud, essential Rite Aid members and UFCW union representatives who are ready to fight for the contract we rightfully deserve. Despite the company canceling the first three days we had scheduled, we began today’s session by presenting all of our proposals, including fair pay and benefits that reflect our essential work, safe staffing levels that prevent theft and burnout, and affordable and comprehensive health benefits to keep us well.

Rite Aid came in knowing the contract expires in 10 days, but they didn’t present a proposal. Instead, they said they will have a proposal at our next meeting on July 30th.

What’s next?

Our priorities are explicit. We deserve safe staffing levels and the wages and health benefits needed to raise healthy families. We are demanding a fair contract that respects our essential work, reflects our vital healthcare role and provides the staffing and store safety required to improve customers’ shopping experience. We made it clear to the company that the workers did not cause the bankruptcy, and the company cannot continue to balance their budget on our backs.

Our contract is set to expire on July 20, 2024 and we have agreed to a contract extension until August 15, 2024. We will meet again with the company on July 30, 31, and August 1, 14th and 15th.

In order to make a strong contract possible, we must stay united, strong, and engaged. Whether we’re at the bargaining table or in the stores, we have the power to show the company that we’re serious about our proposals and that we’re ready to stand together to get a strong contract.

If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Rep, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Rite Aid Bargaining Committee

===================================================================

¿Qué pasó durante nuestra primera sesión de negociaciones?

El 10 de julio nos reunimos con Rite Aid en nuestro primer día de negociaciones. Llegamos a la mesa de negociaciones como una fuerza unida y orgullosa de miembros esenciales de Rite Aid y representantes de nuestra Unión UFCW que estamos listos para luchar por el contrato que justamente merecemos. A pesar de que la compañía canceló los primeros tres días que teníamos programados, comenzamos nuestra sesión de hoy presentando todas nuestras propuestas, incluyendo pago justo y beneficios que reflejen nuestro trabajo esencial, niveles de personal seguros y beneficios de salud accesibles y completos que nos mantengan con buena salud.

Rite Aid se presentó sabiendo que el contrato vence en 10 días, pero no presentaron una propuesta. En lugar de eso, ellos dijeron que tendrán una propuesta en nuestra próxima reunión el 30 de julio.

¿Qué sigue?

Nuestra prioridades son claras. Necesitamos niveles de personal seguros y sueldos y beneficios de salud que necesitamos para mantener bien a nuestras familias. Estamos exigiendo un contrato justo que respete nuestro trabajo esencial, refleje nuestro papel vital en la atención de salud y nos proporcione el personal y seguridad en la tienda que se requieren para mejorar la experiencia de compra de los clientes.

Nuestro contrato vence el 20 de julio de 2024 y hemos acordado una extensión de contrato hasta el 15 de agosto de 2024. Nos reuniremos otra vez con la compañía el 30 y 31 de julio y los días 1, 14 y 15 de agosto.

Para hacer posible un contrato fuerte debemos estar unidos y fuertes, y participar. Ya sea en la mesa de negociaciones o en las tiendas, tenemos el poder de mostrar a la compañía que estamos hablando en serio sobre nuestras propuestas y que estamos listos para luchar juntos para lograr un contrato fuerte.

Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre las negociaciones o si hay algo en lo que te podamos ayudar, por favor no dudes en contactar a tu Delegado, Representante de la Unión o Miembro del Comité de Negociaciones.

En Solidaridad,

Tu Comité de Negociaciones de UFCW ante Rite Aid