Pharmacy Contract Updates
September 1, 2022
Dear Member,
During the most recent Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions pharmacy contract ratification vote, ballots were accidentally sent to 29 Ralphs pharmacists members. This error did not impact the vote result.
As soon as the error was discovered, the Local involved notified Election Buddy, the third party that administers our electronic voting, so that those ballots could be “spoiled.” This means that Election Buddy was able to remove any ballots cast by these 29 Ralphs pharmacists while ensuring that the vote still remains anonymous.
We have made a request to Election Buddy to provide confirmation that no Ralphs votes were included in the final vote results and to do their own compilation of the election results so that you can have confidence in the final result. It will take Election Buddy a few days to provide this analysis and we will provide it to you as soon as we have it.
Although we have a general practice of not releasing final vote results, we will provide you the full vote results in an effort to be as transparent as possible so that all Rx members can have confidence in the result:
Eligible voters: 562
Total voted: 469
Yes votes: 273
No votes: 196
We sincerely apologize and hope this clears up any confusion that was caused by the 29 erroneous ballots sent to Ralphs members. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call your union representative.
August 27, 2022
Dear Member,
Over the past few days, you and your colleagues have been voting on whether to ratify the company’s final contract offer we presented to you for your consideration.
You have collectively voted YES to accept this contract.
This means you now have a four-year contract in place, effective immediately. We will be asking Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions to institute the wage increases and return you to your previous schedules immediately. You will also be receiving your retroactive pay as soon as possible.
Thank you for showing your commitment to this process by voting, attending meetings, and standing with your coworkers.
In Solidarity,
UFCW 324
August 24, 2022
Dear Member,
Yesterday we met with Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions. The company formally notified us that the contract they previously presented is now their final offer.
What Does This Mean?
- We have an obligation to present all final offers to membership for a vote, even if they are the same offer you previously voted on.
- The company has indicated that if the offer passes, retroactive pay, wage increases and schedule guarantees will go into effect as soon as possible after ratification.
We think it’s important that every pharmacist have an opportunity to have a conversation about what the offer entails before voting. That’s why we will be sending Union Representatives to stores starting Thursday to talk to each pharmacist and vote on this final offer.
The decision whether to accept this offer is ultimately yours and your coworkers’. If you have any questions, please contact your Union Representative.
August 17, 2022
Dear Vons, Albertsons, and Pavilions pharmacists,
We have confirmed that we will be meeting with the company again on Tuesday, August 23rd in the afternoon and will keep you informed of any updates.
August 10, 2022
Dear Member,
As you may know, you and your colleagues have been voting on whether to ratify the contract offer presented for your consideration over the past three days.
While the contract offer is the same for all pharmacists, Ralphs pharmacists and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions pharmacists have separate agreements and voted separately on the offers based on your employer:
For pharmacists who work at Ralphs, you have voted YES to ratify this contract. This means you now have a four-year contract in place, effective immediately. We will be asking Ralphs to institute the wage increases and return you to your previous schedules immediately.
For pharmacists who work at Albertsons, Vons, or Pavilions, you have voted NO to reject this contract.
For those of you that work at Albertsons, Vons, or Pavilions, we have asked the company to return to the bargaining table immediately to continue negotiations on your contract. We will be in touch with next steps as soon as possible.
In Solidarity,
UFCW 324
August 4, 2022
Dear member,
After 24 hour of continuous bargaining with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, we have a new offer on the table with proposals that address staffing, scheduling, and wage increases.
It was your strength, solidarity, and determination that brought these companies back to the table and allowed us to secure an offer that addresses your top priorities.
Your bargaining committee, made up of your union pharmacy colleagues, recommends a yes vote on this contract offer, but remember, this is a tentative agreement and NOTHING is final until you get a chance to review in detail and vote on this contract. On Sunday at 7:30pm, there will be a contract ratification meeting where you will have a chance to get all the contract details and ask questions.
Voting will be conducted electronically, and you will receive your ballot on Monday morning. You will receive more information at Sunday night’s meeting, so please plan to attend!
Register for the Sunday 8/7 at 7:30PM meeting at: ufcw324.org/pharm-meeting
This is YOUR contract, and YOUR decision.
As always, we remain, your bargaining team,
UFCW 324
July 27, 2022
Dear member,
Over the past three days, you and your colleagues have been voting on whether to ratify the contract offer we presented to you for consideration.
You have collectively voted to reject the contract offer.
By taking the time to thoughtfully review the contract offer, attend meetings, ask questions, and ultimately make your voice heard, you have made us a stronger union.
Our top priority is to advocate for the needs of the majority of our members, and we stand behind our members’ decision to reject this contract. Your vote has made it clear how important patient care, staffing levels, and a fair wage are to you.
We are prepared to take action. The federal mediator has asked us to return to the table first. We insisted that any return to the table must be immediate.
Join us for a zoom meeting on Sunday, July 31st at 7:30 pm. We’ll answer your questions and plan our next steps. You can register to join here: https://ufcw324.org/pharm-meeting/
Thank you, again, for making your voice heard and participating in this vote.
In Solidarity,
UFCW 324
July 23, 2022
Your UFCW bargaining team has received a final offer from Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions and Ralphs. Ballots will be sent out Monday morning to vote on this offer.
Before you vote on the offer, please attend an important contract update meeting 7/24 @ 7:30 p.m. This meeting is for 324 members only. Register at ufcw324.org/pharm-meeting.
July 20, 2022
Pharmacists have voted overwhelmingly to authorize an Unfair Labor Practices strike. Next steps will be sent ASAP after our negotiations meeting with the companies 7/22.
July 16, 2022
PHARMACIST BARGAINING UPDATE AND URGENT MEETING
On Wednesday, we met with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions to continue to bargain for the contract you deserve.
However, the companies squandered the opportunity to make real progress, and instead continued to play games with your contract and undervalue your worth. At the same time, these companies are committing unfair labor practices that further undermine your ability to secure a strong contract.
We will be holding an urgent meeting on Sunday 07/17 at 7:30pmwhere we will go over what has been happening at the bargaining table, what next steps we will be taking, and how we can stand up against these companies’ unlawful actions. It is critically important that you attend this meeting which you can register for here.
This week, we are also reaching out to the fellow union members that work alongside you at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions, and who were in your shoes just months ago. We want them to know what has been happening with your contract, and how they can stand with you in solidarity as you continue to fight for what you deserve.
As you continue to have conversations with your fellow union members, remember: together we are 60,000 members strong.
July 13, 2022
July 12, 2022
More information on the Unfair Labor Practice Strike Authorization Vote Click HERE.
Pharmacy Bargaining Update sent to all Grocery Clerks:
Dear UFCW member,
As you may know, your coworkers and fellow UFCW members in the pharmacy have been in contract negotiations alongside you since March of this year. After we reached an agreement on your contract, we continued to meet with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions to bargain for a pharmacist contract with the minimum hours guarantee, staffing improvements, and wage increases every member deserves.
But instead of coming to the table with serious proposals, Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions have been committing unfair labor practices like intimidating and retaliating against pharmacists who are standing up for their union rights.
Your fellow union members in the pharmacy will be taking an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike authorization vote soon, and they need your support as they stand up against the unlawful actions of your employers. These actions undermine all workers’ ability to secure fair wages and benefits.
When we all stand together, we all benefit.
Our union is only as strong as we are united. If your employers are able to get away with unlawful labor practices in one department, it sends a dangerous message that they can do this to others.
What you can do: Click here to sign a petition showing employers that you are united in standing with your coworkers, and will take action alongside them if they are forced to strike over unfair labor practices.
By signing this petition, you are sending a clear message that we all stand together- 60,000 members strong.
Know your rights: You have the right to refuse to cross a sanctioned picket line.
If your coworkers are forced to take action against your employers’ unlawful activities, we want to make sure you know your rights should you choose to stand with them.
If there is a picket line, you have every right to join your coworkers.
You are protected against retaliation just as much as any pharmacist who is on an Unfair Labor Practice strike. That’s part of the value and strength of a union 💪💪💪
Thank you for all that you do to make our stores and communities better.
In Solidarity,
June 30, 2022
We’ll be holding an electronic secret ballot strike vote from 7/18 – 7/20 so we can provide a strike deadline to the companies at our last scheduled meeting 7/22. You’ll receive a text and email message the morning of 7/18 with details on how to vote.
June 28, 2022
Where we stand
When we met with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions last week, your bargaining com
mittee, including your fellow pharmacists, continued to push for the issues you care most about – sufficient staffing, fair wages, and guaranteed hours for part-time pharmacists.
This week, Locals 324 and 770 held actions to inform customers and patients about the risks pharmacists face in their jobs. View news clips from the actions here.
Before our next scheduled bargaining meetings with the companies on July 13th and 22nd, we wanted to update you on what we’re fighting for, how you can exercise your rights at work, and what next steps we will take together.
What we’re fighting for:
Better Staffing for Better Patient Care
As an essential worker and trusted health care provider, you know better than anyone that inadequate staffing creates unfair working conditions for you and a worse experience for your patients. That’s why understaffing is one of our top concerns during this contract negotiation.
Guaranteed Minimum Hours Part-Time Pharmacists Can Rely On
A minimum hours guarantee is essential for part-time pharmacists to qualify for medical benefits that all workers rely on. That’s why we will continue to push for a contract that guarantees the hours part-time pharmacists need to qualify for an affordable benefit plan.
Fair Wages for Essential Workers
You deserve wages that fairly compensate you for your expertise, dedication, and sacrifice during the pandemic. Fair wages remain a top priority in this contract.
Exercise your rights!
Your acts of solidarity have made an impact at the bargaining table. We are now at a crucial stage of negotiations where we need to take further action to make our voices heard.
Take your Breaks
It is crucial that you take your breaks! The law, your contract, and your own sanity require you to take rest periods, and it is essential that you exercise your right to take these breaks. By showing your company that you know your rights, and that you are committed to taking the breaks you are entitled to, you will send a clear message that you will not be overworked to compensate for inadequate staffing in crowded pharmacies.
Know your rights, and take your breaks:
“All employees working more than three and one-half hours and up to and including five hours per day shall receive one ten-minute rest period. All employees working more than five hours and up to and including six hours per day shall receive one fifteen-minute rest period. All employees working more than a six hour day shall receive two ten-minute rest periods.”
Ask for Help
You should not have to tolerate working alone. In fact, it is illegal for your company to leave you without any help in the pharmacy. We worked to pass the “No Pharmacist Left Alone” Act, Senate Bill 1442, so that you would have the law on your side!
This act says that your employer cannot require you to work when the pharmacy is open to the public unless another employee is “made available to assist the pharmacist at all times.”
It is vitally important that you exercise your right to request help whenever you need it. By exercising your right to ask for help every time you need it, you are making it clear to these companies that you need better staffed pharmacies. If you request assistance, and are denied help for any reason, please document details of the request (time, date, when you asked for help, how long you waited, etc.) and immediately report this to your Union Representative
Protect Yourself and your License
If you cannot access additional help, and must step away from the pharmacy counter to do a consultation, provide a vaccination, or any other patient service while working alone, please exercise your right to close down the pharmacy counter to ensure safety, and to protect yourself and your pharmacist license.
What’s Next?
Our next scheduled bargaining dates with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions are on July 13th and July 22nd. We will continue to demand that the companies come to the table with a serious commitment to reaching the strong contract you deserve.
You will be the first to know about any upcoming votes, actions, or updates, so please make sure to read all correspondence from your bargaining committee.
More than ever you must remain united to tell Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions that you deserve better and to show them that you will not tolerate any unfair labor practices as you stand up for what you have earned. You deserve a strong contract, and your continued strength and solidarity will create the leverage to secure it.
June 21, 2022
Minimal progress was made in negotiations on Monday, June 20th, when the UFCW locals met with Albertsons, Vons, and Ralphs. In addition to fair wage increases, adequate staffing necessary to provide top-notch patient care and a part-time guarantee of hours sufficient to qualify for medical benefits continue to be the most significant issues in negotiations.
Your collective action of rescinding your alternative scheduling agreements is having an impact. The companies are struggling to create schedules that comply with the contract and have been illegally retaliating and threatening pharmacists to get them to agree to waive their overtime. Grievances and Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges protesting this illegal activity are proceeding. It is crucial that you continue to stay strong at this time to insist on a fair agreement.
Negotiations continue on July 13 and 22. Locals 770 and 324 will hold a Pharmacy Update call on Sunday, July 26th at 7:30 pm. Register at ufcw324.org/pharm-meeting
Can we count on you to show your support for a fair contract by attending an action on Monday, June 27th or Tuesday June 28th? More information is available at ufcw324.org/june27pharm
June 11, 2022
Save The Date! June 27, 2022 & June 28, 2022
Join us in supporting your union pharmacists at these essential handbill actions! Click links for flyers:
June 27, 2022 | 2 PM – 4 PM • Ralphs: 6290 Pacific Coast Hwy • Long Beach, CA 90803
June 28, 2022 | 2 PM – 4 PM • Pavilions: 8969 Santa Monica Blvd • West Hollywood, CA 95824
June 6, 2022
As we expected, the companies have started their campaign to intimidate and weaken us. The union is addressing pharmacists’ concerns, but it is important to stay strong. There will be a negotiations update Zoom meeting this Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 7:30PM. Register here: ufcw324.org/pharm-meeting.
June 3, 2022
At our meeting with the companies on June 1, 2022, they increased their wage offer to a disrespectful $.80 per year. Our work needs to be valued.
Our next negotiations meeting is June 20, 2022 and in advance, we are planning a handbill action on June 27, 2022 from 2-4 pm at Ralphs 178 in Long Beach, 6290 Pacific Coast Hwy. If you are not scheduled to work, we need you there to show your support for your fellow pharmacists. More information on the action will follow.
June 1, 2022
The pharmacist bargaining committee just presented the revocation forms (revoking your agreement to waive overtime) signed by the vast majority of UFCW 324 pharmacists to the company negotiators. We expect that managers & supervisors may try to influence you to change your mind. This is an unfair labor practice & should be reported to your union representative immediately.
Standing together, we hope that your companies will show you the respect you deserve with a fair contract offer.
May 17, 2022
There is a Zoom meeting Sunday May 22 at 7:30PM: https://ufcw324.org/pharm-522/. Please join us to talk about the insulting wages the companies are offering and what you can do to ensure important issues like staffing, waivers, safety and wages that affect your future and profession are taken into consideration in a good contract.
May 13, 2022
No progress was made at negotiations today, with employers continuing to only offer us 75 cents. This is unacceptable. We need to be ready to do whatever it takes to make the corporations acknowledge the value of our work. We must stand united. We will let you know when our next meeting dates are determined.
May 6, 2022
After five meetings, the companies are continuing to offer an insulting wage increase of 60 cents, 70 cents and 75 cents. Your bargaining committee has already signed their 12-Hour Alternative Waiver Rescission to show the companies we are ready to fight in preparation for our meeting next Friday. Keep an eye out on your email Monday to sign the waiver.
May 3, 2022
The article in Pharmacy Times: https://www.pharmacytoday.org/article/S1042-0991(22)00275-4/fulltext is a must-read for every pharmacist! It addresses relevant issues and the need for pharmacy reform. Pharmacists have an opportunity to improve working conditions during these contract negotiations. When you receive the UFCW sticker this week, wear it and show your support by sending a selfie to jenna@paschalroth.com. Thank you for your participation. Together we are stronger!
May 1, 2022
We are hosting a Zoom meeting May 1 at 7:30PM because important issues like staffing, waivers, safety and wages are being discussed that affect your future and profession. Please find the time to join us. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87068807495. Thank you.
April 12, 2022
We were unable to settle the pharmacist contract simultaneously with the clerks’ contract because the issues are complicated and will require input from our pharmacist bargaining committee. Pharmacist negotiations resume on Monday April 18, 2022 and several pharmacists have agreed to attend. We will update you following the meeting. We urge you to remain strong and united to achieve the contract you deserve.
March 21, 2022
Essential pharmacists deserve a fair contract that respects our work! Speak up & VOTE YES to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice Strike against Albertsons, Ralph’s, Vons, and Pavilions for undermining negotiations & workers’ right to representation. Join us on 3/22 for a zoom mtg for info on negotiations & the ULP Strike Vote. Register for the 8 AM mtg click here or the 6 PM mtg click here.
March 18, 2022
We are hosting an important union Zoom meeting on Tuesday, March 22nd at 8 AM or 6 PM to provide info on negotiations and the ULP Strike Vote. To register for the 8 AM mtg click here or the 6 PM mtg click here.
March 14, 2022
We’ve had several meetings with the companies to discuss phamacists’ concerns but we’ve made no progress on the issues most important to grocery store pharmacists. We need to take action today! Sign this petition here https://bit.ly/35XcR1Z to show our strength for a contract that recognizes our value.
March 3, 2022
Check out this video message from Jean Drexler, pharmacist steward and bargaining committee member: https://vimeo.com/684029587/c5df25ed66 on getting involved with contract negotiations!
We have a union Zoom mtg on March 6 at 6:30 PM for pharmacists. Register here: bit.ly/34aVUAk
February 17, 2022
Our union contract expires March 6th! Throughout the pandemic, we’ve made sure we’ve provided critical services to our communities. Now more than ever, we need to stand up to make workplace improvements!
We will be having a Zoom union meeting every two weeks starting Feb 20th @ 6:30 PM to discuss important issues.
