Pharmacist 2026 Negotiations Updates

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Pharmacist 2026 Negotiations Updates

July 17, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 17, 2026

CONTACT: 

Heather Rutman, UFCW 770, heather.rutman@ufcw770.org, 213.705.2377

Jenna Thompson, UFCW 324, jthompson@ufcw324.org, 949.246.1620

BREAKING NEWS: Southern California Grocery Pharmacists Overwhelmingly Authorize Unfair Labor Practice Strike at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions

Hundreds of UFCW Pharmacists Vote to Authorize an Unfair Labor Practice Strike After Months of Alleged Unlawful Conduct by the Companies During Contract Negotiations

LOS ANGELES – Last night, hundreds of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) pharmacists represented by UFCW local unions across Southern California overwhelmingly authorized their bargaining committee to call for an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike should one become necessary in response to Ralphs’ and Albertsons’ alleged unlawful conduct during contract negotiations.

The Unfair Labor Practice strike authorization follows four months of bargaining under an expired contract. Pharmacists represented by UFCW locals say that throughout negotiations, Ralphs and Albertsons have refused to present a fair contract proposal while allegedly engaging in conduct that has interfered with the bargaining process, including making unilateral changes without bargaining, unlawfully surveilling members involved in the contract campaign, and failing to provide information necessary for bargaining.

The UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee said the following:

“Today’s vote sends a clear message to Ralphs and Albertsons: We have had enough of their unlawful union-busting tactics that undermine pharmacists and silence our voices.

“For four months, we have continued caring for our patients while bargaining under an expired contract. Instead of negotiating a fair agreement, the companies have refused to make a fair offer while making unilateral changes without bargaining, unlawfully surveilling members active in our contract campaign, and failing to provide information necessary for bargaining.

“These unfair labor practices are designed to intimidate us and make it harder to reach the agreement we deserve. We are calling on Ralphs and Albertsons to stop violating workers’ rights, bargain in good faith, and present a fair contract that reflects the value of the essential healthcare services pharmacists provide every day.

“This overwhelming vote means pharmacists are united and prepared to defend our rights with an unfair labor practice strike if the companies continue breaking the law.”

The parties are scheduled to return to the bargaining table on August 6 and August 7, 2026. Pharmacists from across Southern California, along with customers and community supporters, are expected to attend bargaining to demonstrate support for a fair contract and quality patient care.

ABOUT UFCW PHARMACISTS

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union represents nearly 800 pharmacists who work at Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, and Pavilions in Southern and Central California. These essential community healthcare providers have been negotiating their new contract since January and are calling for stronger staffing standards and competitive wages to retain experienced professionals. They argue that investing in pharmacy staffing is not just about workplace conditions—it is about protecting patient safety inside community grocery stores. Their contract expired on March 1, 2026.

# # #

July 16, 2026

We Voted YES! ULP Strike Authorization Overwhelmingly Passes!

Hundreds of UFCW Pharmacists at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions represented by UFCW local unions across Southern California have overwhelmingly voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike. This vote sends a strong message: We’ve had enough of Ralphs’ and Albertsons’ unlawful union-busting tactics that undermine pharmacists and silence our voices. 

Grocery pharmacists have been working for four months with an expired contract and Ralphs and Albertsons have 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, intimidating members by making unilateral changes without bargaining, unlawfully surveilling members who have been active in the contract campaign, and failing to provide information necessary for bargaining.

Their illegal activity is making it more difficult for us to negotiate a fair agreement. It’s time for Ralphs and Albertsons to stop violating their workers’ rights, 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 TERMINATED.

What’s next?

Our next bargaining sessions are set for August 6th and August 7th. We are asking all pharmacists who are able to come to bargaining to show the company that we are united and we’re not backing down. 

Bargaining Session Info

  • Dates: Thursday, August 6 and/or Friday, August 7
  • Time: Anytime between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: UFCW Local 324 • 8530 Stanton Avenue • Buena Park • CA • 90622-5004

Pharmacists also voted to hold a strike prep and picket sign-making meeting during the bargaining session.

Strike Prep Meeting Info

  • Date: Thursday, August 6
  • Time: 12 p.m.
  • Location: UFCW Local 324 • 8530 Stanton Avenue • Buena Park • CA • 90622-5004

RSVP to come to bargaining and/or the strike prep meeting here: https://forms.gle/PKBMM3g8kTAQJXW56

In the meantime, stay connected. Stay ready. This is our moment.

We are united and we are ready to do whatever it takes to defend our rights. 

If you have any questions about what’s happening at the table, the ULP strike authorization, or anything else, reach out to your Bargaining Committee Member, Steward, or Union Representative.

In solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee

MFA RPh ULP Handout FINAL RPh ULP Negotiations Update DRAFT

RALPHS/ALBERTSONS UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE STRIKE FAQs

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

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 Ralphs and Albertsons for intimidating members by making unilateral changes without bargaining, unlawful surveillance of members who have been active in the contract campaign, and failure to provide information necessary for bargaining. 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 we 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:

  1. The contract must expire or otherwise not be in effect
  2. 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
  3. 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 Ralphs and Albertsons. Sometimes the results of the strike vote get the employers to come to a fair agreement. For example, strongly rejecting a contract by all the workers sends a message to the employers 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 and during deliveries 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.

UFCW 324’s Executive Board has approved $415/day up to five days per week for pharmacists.

Would I lose my benefits/insurance if we go on strike?

You qualify for insurance on a skip month basis. If you work the qualifying hours in June, you have insurance in August. Here’s an example, if a clerk works 92 hours in June, they have qualified for healthcare in August. Clerks must work 92 hours in a month, clerks helpers must work 64 hours, meat cutters must work 76. The union and the company can bargain a strike settlement agreement that can ensure there is no gap in coverage.

* Because UFCW members fought hard and advocated for a bill in Sacramento, locked out or striking workers now have access to Covered California if they lose their health insurance because of a labor dispute.

 

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 companies treat their employees with dignity and respect. When members cross the picket line they are letting the companies 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. 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. By being on the picket line, you will be able to persuade your customers to shop at other union locations.

Will the Teamsters support our strike?

Yes, we’ve met with the Teamsters and they’ve expressed their support for our members. As long as there is a physical picket line at a store and in front of the loading dock the Teamsters will not deliver their load.

Could I work somewhere else while on strike?

Yes. However, you must show up for your picketing shifts to receive the strike benefit. 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. Your union representative can help you find other work around your picket shifts.

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

The companies 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 Professional Division website (https://www.ufcwprofessionaldivsion.org/), 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 Ralphs and Albertsons that we’re united and stronger than ever.

 

July 1, 2026

After two days of bargaining on our contract, these companies continue to dismiss us and our contributions to their success. Why do we continue to sit across from them when they don’t really want to bargain?

What’s worse is that they’re also breaking the law by committing unfair labor practices – intimidating members by making unilateral changes without bargaining, unlawful surveillance of members who have been active in the contract campaign, and failure to provide information necessary for bargaining. 

By violating our rights, Ralphs and Albertsons are making our fight for ourselves and our patients harder. That’s why we will be holding Unfair Labor Practice strike authorization votes in the coming weeks.

We need EVERY SINGLE PHARMACIST to participate and VOTE YES during this Unfair Labor Practice Strike vote. When we come back to the table with a vote that shows close to a thousand pharmacist members are willing to fight, the companies should feel the pressure to get serious, stop breaking the law, and negotiate a fair contract.

We’re holding an informational Zoom call on Sunday, July 12th at 7pm to go over the Unfair Labor Practice strike vote details, your rights, and give you an update on what the companies’ current offer is. 

Pharmacists Bargaining Update Meeting Sunday, July 12th at 7pm 

Register Here: bit.ly/3QuYOrW

We’ve heard how frustrated patients are with the companies’ understaffing and treatment of the pharmacists, and we told the companies as much at our June 15th action at the Albertsons Headquarters. Over 200 grocery-pharmacy patients noticed a clear pattern: longer lines, chronic understaffing, and troubling safety concerns inside grocery-based pharmacies.

And most importantly, we know that they will have our backs in this fight as we prepare to take it to the next level. 

With the support of customers, it’s time we show Ralphs and Albertsons that we mean business and that we’re fed up with their disrespect at the table and in our pharmacies. Make sure you come out and vote YES during your local’s Unfair Labor Practice Strike vote.

If there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee 

May 12, 2026

We met with Albertsons and Ralphs for two days of bargaining this week and not much movement was made. We’ve told them over and over that staffing is a huge priority for not just us, but also our patients, and they don’t seem to care. 

So we took our fight to the stores.

Today, our bargaining committee members were joined by customers and co-workers, as well as pharmacists not on the bargaining committee in front of the Albertsons in Buena Park. The turnout was HUGE to talk to patients, and survey them about wait times, staffing conditions, and medication safety. Actions will continue next week, after which, we’ll release the results of the in-person survey. (Spoiler alert: patients hate understaffed pharmacies as much as we do!)

The companies aren’t offering any bargaining dates until June 30th & July 1st. Why? Because they don’t feel a need to make any movement until they see more engagement from more pharmacists. 

What You Can Do

Continue wearing your buttons and lanyards. Keep talking to patients and asking them to fill out the survey. Join a multi-local Zoom meeting on Monday, May 25 at 7:00PM, to hear what comes next.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AsB05_tWSByaoxBYPr6WnA 

In the meantime, contact your union representative if you have any questions about bargaining or to attend our next session.

If there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee 

April 24, 2026

We spent two days this week with Ralphs and Albertsons to bargain our new contract. The companies tried to justify lower pay for grocery pharmacists compared to other retail pharmacists by saying you don’t work as hard as they do. Don’t worry, we set the record straight. 

We made it clear that while all union pharmacists play a critical role in patient care, grocery pharmacists take on a broader scope of responsibilities, with heavier workloads and a wider range of services. This includes administering specialty injections, managing high-volume flu vaccination seasons, handling travel medications, medication therapy management (MTM), prescribing hormonal contraceptives, and often working with cross-trained clerks instead of dedicated technicians. These differences, along with many others not fully captured at the table, make it clear that this comparison does not reflect the full reality of our work.

What do you think the companies’ response was? Yep. They didn’t care. So we used our downtime to go to nearby Albertsons and Ralphs pharmacies to speak to the pharmacists who were working there and tell them what our next steps in our campaign are and how important it is to involve our patients in our fight for a fair contract.

Earlier this year, we put out a survey to our patients that examined wait times, service conditions, and medication safety. We want more patients to fill out that survey so we can show the companies that what we’re asking for is also needed by their patients. The individual locals will be distributing buttons and lanyards with QR codes to the survey in the upcoming week, so wear your buttons and QR cards every shift to start conversations with your patients and ask them to fill out the survey to fight alongside us. Every response ensures safer conditions and better care for our patients and ourselves. 

We’re also scheduling handbilling actions in front of our stores to ensure our patients know about the survey and why we’re involving them in the campaign. Look out for more information shortly on those actions from your local union.

We have new bargaining dates on May 11 and 12, and you’re welcome to attend. We’ll send you another update after those sessions, but in the meantime, come out to our customer actions. We know when patients speak up, it puts real pressure on the companies to do what’s right. And if the companies won’t listen to us, they’ll for sure listen to our patients.

If you have any questions about bargaining, contact your union representative to attend our next session.

If there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee 

April 17, 2026

Last week, the company presented an insulting wage proposal, and today, they came back with another inadequate proposal; they added only an additional 25 cents. In response, we delivered hundreds of petitions signed by our co-workers across Southern California, a powerful show of unity that made it clear we are organized, we are watching, and we will not accept less than we deserve. We deserve more than $3.25 over three years, and it’s time we make Ralphs and Albertsons realize that.

What do we do to show Ralphs and Albertsons that we mean business?

Join us on an all Southern California UFCW pharmacist call on Sunday April 19 at 7:00 PM to hear exactly what’s happening at negotiations with Ralphs and Albertsons and discuss future actions from the best source – us – your bargaining committee. We’ll be talking about the company’s attitude at the bargaining table, what their proposals are, and what we’re fighting for. 

Look out for a call from (213) 487-7070 on Sunday at 7:00 PM — make sure you answer!

Bargaining resumes Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, and we’ll send you another update after those sessions. In the meantime, let’s continue to pressure the companies. You’ll hear more on Sunday, but we’re going to start ramping up conversations with patients. 

If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee

April 7, 2026

Today, we, the pharmacists on the bargaining committee, made it clear the current conditions are not sustainable and the offer we received yesterday from Ralphs and Albertsons doesn’t cut it. 

We stood in front of the companies to speak about our struggles to meet growing demands while representing our companies in our communities. We shared our anger and frustration with the conflicting demands of filling prescriptions, answering phones, and managing patient care without adequate ancillary support. We also shared the challenges inherent in providing the many new clinical and specialty services to our communities, including drug rehabilitation programs and assisted living facilities. 

Our message was consistent. It is hard to keep up. Staffing is insufficient. Wages are not keeping up with inflation or the level of responsibility pharmacists carry. This is not just a job. It is a profession, and it deserves to be treated like one.

After hearing these realities, the companies only added $0.25  to their insulting offer from yesterday. The new offer is $1.00 in the first year, $1.00 in the second, and $1.00 in the third which is still barely above 1% per year. 

Ralphs and Albertsons are not improving their offer because they believe we will not push back and they can continue to take advantage of us.

What happens next depends on all of us.

What’s next

Currently union representatives, bargaining committee members and SPURs are in our stores gathering petitions. This is an important way to show the companies that we are willing to fight for wages that reflect our professional knowledge and role in the companies. This is our opportunity to show that EVERY pharmacist is standing together for what we deserve. If you or your co-workers haven’t signed the petition, reach out to your union representative. 

Bargaining resumes Friday, April 17, and we’ll send you another update then. In the meantime, let’s continue to pressure. Sign the petition. Talk to your co-workers. Wear your buttons. Show the companies we are united and ready to fight for the contract we deserve.

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee 

April 6, 2026

Albertsons and Ralphs left our bargaining session in March afraid to share a wage proposal because we would call it insulting. They were right. Today they showed us the offensive offer – just $1 in the first year, $0.75 cents in the second, and $1 in the third! 

This adds up to just over 1% per year, while inflation has risen far more than that over the past four years! For comparison, your co-workers in the front of the store won 13-22% in their contract over three years, and pharmacists with Kaiser just ratified a contract that delivers 21.5% raises over four years.

What’s worse, there’s no retro pay! This proposal is a slap in the face, to say the least, and doesn’t even come close to respecting our contributions to our companies. 

Bargaining continues tomorrow, and we’ll have another update for you then. Make sure you send this update to your co-workers to let them know what the companies think of our contributions. Continue to wear your buttons in the stores and sign the petitions being circulated to show Ralphs and Albertsons we’re united for the contract we have earned and deserve. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee

March 20, 2026

Today we met with Albertsons and Ralphs for the first time in over a month and while we were able to confirm that the pharmacists will continue to get the health benefits that were negotiated in the clerk’s agreement, they barely moved on the issues important to us. 

This is extremely disappointing, as it’s clear our patients, and ourselves, deserve movement on staffing. At a press conference on March 2, 2026, pharmacists released new survey results from grocery pharmacy patients examining wait times, service conditions, and medication safety. Results of the survey show that:

  • Nearly 59% say lines have increased at their pharmacy in the past four years
  • Almost half (48%) report waiting more than 10 minutes for service
  • About one in nine patients (11.9%) say they have received a medication error

You can read more about this survey here: Patients Sound the Alarm 

The companies have committed to provide economic proposals at our next bargaining sessions on April 6 and 7, 2026. 

If Albertsons and Ralphs are going to get serious about negotiating for a fair contract that delivers fair and competitive wages, secure retirement benefits, safe staffing levels and sustainable workloads, it’s critical that the companies hear from every pharmacist. 

That’s why your Stewards, Union Representatives, and Bargaining Committee members will be circulating a petition in every one of our pharmacies in the coming weeks. Sign the petition, because now is the time to ensure your voice is heard. 

Continue to wear your union buttons and lanyards to show our solidarity and power. The more we participate in actions like the March 2 press conference, stay involved in bargaining by joining calls, and stand together, the more power we have at the table to negotiate for the contract we deserve. 

We have more bargaining sessions scheduled for April 6 and 7, 2026, and we’ll send another update after those meetings.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

Lastly, UFCW has a website for our professional division: https://www.ufcwprofessionaldivsion.org/. Visit this site to read the minutes from our Professional Relations Committee meetings with the companies, file a complaint against your pharmacy’s non-compliance with California’s pharmacy laws, and more. 

Join UFCW for Continuing Education to support your professional development needs. This CE class will teach you about the latest updated pharmacy laws and how to stay in compliance with the California Board of Pharmacy.

Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11AM
UFCW 770 630 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, CA 90005

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGRxd5AYhNJhk1GHCVqjBdMi5Y3U2FF6R6HDWPMnFK8PqSsQ/viewform 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee

February 19, 2026

Over the past two days, we met with Ralphs and Albertsons for our third bargaining session. We’ve had some good conversations with the companies on language changes and were able to reach tentative agreements on a job bidding process and just cause protections around demotions as well as 12-hour holiday pay for 12-hour pharmacists.

But we’re still far apart on a lot of issues – especially since we’re still waiting for Albertsons and Ralphs to respond on very important issues like wages, benefits and ensuring we have the appropriate staffing levels. It’s clear that Ralphs and Albertsons need to feel the pressure from us and our patients, community supporters and co-workers in the front of the store. 

What can we do to make our voices heard?

Join our campaign kick-off press conference on March 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Ralphs on 3410 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Bring your co-workers, friends and family! Talk to your union representative or bargaining committee members to make a plan to attend. Register for the event here: https://ufcw324.org/grocery-pharmacy-press-conference-rsvp/ 

The contract we come away with at the end of this campaign will be determined by how much we all get involved. We’re all burnt out and fatigued, and this puts our patients at risk. These contract negotiations are where we can fix that. Get involved. Join events. Talk to your patients. Show Albertsons and Ralphs that we’re standing together to get the contract we deserve and our patients are relying on.

We have another bargaining session scheduled for March 20, 2026, where we’ll be joined by a federal mediator. We’ll reach out with another update after that session.

If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee

February 13, 2026

Today we met with Ralphs and Albertsons for our second bargaining session. We spent the afternoon hearing the companies’ responses to our proposals and the changes they want to see in the contract. 

At our last session, we made our priorities known to Ralphs and Albertsons, but the companies only came today to whittle away on the protections we have in the contract. And they didn’t even respond to some of our most important issues like wages, benefits, and staffing. 

Our contract expires on March 1, and it’s time to fight to make our jobs and our lives better. We will not accept a contract that is anything less than what we deserve. Whether we’re at the bargaining table or in our pharmacies, we have the power to show Ralphs and Albertsons that we’re serious about our proposals and that we’re ready to stand together to get a strong contract. We’ve shown up on the Kaiser picket lines in the past week to show solidarity with the 34,000 nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals who are already striking.

This is our fight, so let’s show our companies that we are united and we’re willing to fight for ourselves, our co-workers, our patients, and our communities! 

Join our campaign kick-off press conference on March 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Ralphs on 3410 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Talk to your union representative or bargaining committee members to make a plan to attend. Register for the event here: https://ufcw324.org/grocery-pharmacy-press-conference-rsvp/ 

We have bargaining sessions scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday, February 18-19, after which we will send you another update. 

If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee 

January 27, 2026

Today, we met with Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions for our first day of bargaining on our pharmacist contract. We showed up with the largest bargaining committee we’ve ever had to get the contract we deserve and fight against company policies that burn us out and put us at risk of errors that could harm our patients. 

We began the bargaining session by presenting all of our proposals, including wages that keep up with inflation and are comparable to what other retail pharmacists earn, sufficient staffing to support safe patient care, and improvements to our pension so we can retire with dignity.

The companies didn’t have any of their own proposals ready to discuss today, however we encourage them to take the time between now and our next meeting to think about the value we bring to their companies and provide fair responses to our proposals.

Pharmacists are already stretched to the limit. Despite inadequate staffing, we manage long lines and nonstop phone calls and ensure prescriptions are filled accurately and on time. Even in the middle of flu season and with growing demands, pharmacists continue to put patient care first. 

Patients deserve more. So do we. It’s time our companies put us first. Standing together, whether we’re at the bargaining table or in our pharmacies, will show Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions that we have the power to fight to make our jobs better and that we’re serious about our proposals.

What’s Next? 

We will be scheduling new bargaining dates with the companies soon, and we will send you another update after that session. In the meantime, here’s how you can show Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions that we’re united for the contract we deserve:

Due to the ongoing Kaiser ULP strike, we’re transforming our February 5 press conference. In solidarity with striking UNAC/UHCP Kaiser pharmacists and UFCW Kaiser pharmacy employees, we’re joining them on the picket lines to bring awareness of how both Kaiser and retail grocery pharmacists need appropriate staffing to keep themselves and their patients safe. 

WHEN: February 5 at 10AM

WHERE: Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center, at 4867 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Talk to your union representative or bargaining committee members to make a plan to attend. 

RSVP for the event here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aArUbG4BMUrPo6zAj5T3u3C-ztyukY2ZbXoJxGNB79E/viewform?ts=6966e9df&edit_requested=true

Follow UFCW 324’s website and social media accounts! These platforms will house the most up-to-date information. Pharmacist members can find bargaining updates and other content about the contract there, so make sure you and all of your co-workers follow the accounts to stay informed. 

www.ufcw324.org
@UFCW 324 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok and BlueSky.

If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee

January 15, 2026

Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions pharmacists,

Pharmacists are being stretched to the limit. Every day, we are expected to manage long lines and nonstop phone calls without enough staff to keep up safely, all while ensuring prescriptions are filled accurately and on time. Even in the middle of flu season and with growing demands, pharmacists continue to put patient care first: administering vaccines, managing medication shortages, and providing trusted guidance our communities rely on.

We are constantly being asked to do more with less.

With the closure of Rite Aid, we are expected to absorb a surge of new patients without added support, while earning about 11% less than pharmacists at CVS. At the same time, Corporate continues to push for higher volume and more sales. This is a recipe for burnout, fatigue, and errors that puts our patients at risk.

Enough is enough.

As we head into our first bargaining session, now is the time to stand together and fight for:

  • Wages that keep up with inflation and match what other retail pharmacists earn
  • Experienced, licensed staffing to support safe patient care
  • Improvements to our healthcare and pensions so we can protect ourselves, our families, and our futures

We are nearly 800 pharmacists strong. United, we are standing up for our patients, our families, and our communities.

How Bargaining Will Work

The first scheduled bargaining session with Ralphs and Albertsons (Vons, Pavilions) is on January 27. We, the bargaining committee and leaders from UFCW Locals that represent grocery pharmacists – 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428, and 1442 – will present proposals to the companies based on the contract surveys you completed.

Throughout the process, both sides will continue to pass proposals back and forth in an attempt to reach a “tentative agreement” on a new contract. This tentative agreement is not final until you have a chance to review it and vote on whether to accept it. 

At the conclusion of each session, we, the bargaining committee, will send coordinated updates to keep workers informed of what happened at each session, what the companies said or did, and to let you know what you can do to fight for the contract you deserve.

We know Ralphs and Albertsons will attempt to control the narrative about bargaining with misinformation and partial truths to try and divide us. Just like they did during our last negotiations, they’ll tell us that they’re offering a fair wage increase, but that wage increase won’t even make up for what we’ve lost in inflation over the last four years. In addition to wages, the bargaining committee will also be fighting for other critical issues like reasonable staffing levels and improved pension that all pharmacists need. Remaining united and fighting for every pharmacist is how we get the contract we deserve.

What We Can Do to Show Our Power 

  • Follow your local union’s website and social media accounts! These platforms are where the most up-to-date information will be housed. Pharmacists can find bargaining updates there and other content about the contract fight, so make sure all of your co-workers also follow the accounts to combat the companies’ misinformation campaign!

https://www.instagram.com/ufcw324
https://www.facebook.com/UFCW324
https://twitter.com/ufcw324
https://bsky.app/profile/ufcw324.bsky.social
https://www.tiktok.com/@ufcw324

  • Join the multi-local telephone town hall on Sunday, January 18th at 7pm to prepare for bargaining and hear important updates from your bargaining committee. No need to dial in, we’ll call you! Look out for a call from (213) 487-7070 – make sure you answer!
  • Join our campaign kick-off press conference on February 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Ralphs on 3410 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Talk to your union representative or bargaining committee members to make a plan to attend.

Register for the event here: https://ufcw324.org/grocery-pharmacy-press-conference-rsvp/ 

Only by rising up together can we make a change in your workplace, not only for you, but for your co-workers as well. This is your union, and it’s only as powerful as you make it. In 2023, we banded together with our front-of-store siblings, taking on Kroger and Albertsons, and stopped the merger, saving pharmacists’ jobs. Imagine what we can do this year if more of us get involved.

If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. 

In Solidarity,

Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee