A UFCW local announced Friday that an “overwhelming majority” of the union’s members who work at CVS have authorized a strike against the pharmacy.
Local 135 represents over 900 CVS Pharmacy workers in San Diego County. Statewide, more than 7,400 UFCW members from eight locals, covering over 380 CVS Pharmacy locations, participated in the strike authorization vote this week.
The strike would be based on multiple unfair labor practice charges by the union against CVS that have been filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
The final decision on whether to strike will be made by the UFCW bargaining committee, composed of CVS workers and UFCW leadership.
Employees are demanding an end to the alleged unfair labor practices while calling for “fair” wages, comprehensive benefits and safe staffing levels “to prevent theft, burnout, and hazardous working conditions.”
The workers’ contract expired almost three months ago. Negotiations are set to resume Oct. 16.
“Our members have made it clear that CVS must do better … We will use this strike authorization to continue pushing for an end to these unfair practices and for a contract that respects the contributions of our members,” said UFCW Local 135 President Todd Walters.