Rite Aid Update

Rite Aid Update

Update on  Mar. 21, 2020

Workers Secure Pay Boost from Rite Aid

Workers, through the Southern California UFCW Local Unions, have been calling for pay increases for retail drug workers on the frontlines.

ORANGE COUNTY – As measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 intensify, with Gov. Gavin Newsom issuing an order for all Californians to stay at home, essential workers remain the lifeline to the public, going to work every day. Without special training in public health or disease prevention, workers in drug retailers open for shoppers, are suddenly first responders.

Since shopping — and profits — have surged for drug retailers like Rite Aid, workers, through their union, have called for increased pay. Rite Aid announced the company will increase pay for hourly employees by $2 an hour from March 15th through at least May 2nd  for clerks, techs and pharmacists. The company will also increase the employee discount beginning March 24th to 35%  until at least April 2020.

UFCW Local 324 released the following statement:

“Workers in retail drug stores are delivering goods that keep our communities safe and healthy. They are the essential workers during this crisis. “Increasing pay for those on the frontlines is critical,” said Andrea Zinder, president of UFCW Local 324.