CVS reaches tentative contract agreement with workers after brief strike

Unionized CVS workers have reached a tentative contract agreement with the company following a weekend-long strike.

United Food and Commercial Workers locals 5, 135, 324, 648, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442, which represent more than 7,000 CVS workers across California, including 120 in Long Beach, announced the tentative agreement Thursday, saying it includes increased wages, more secure staffing and a more affordable health care plan.

“For the last five months, we have been fighting hard for a fair contract – from a strike to 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,” the union bargaining committee said in a statement.

Details have not been made public as workers review the proposed contract and vote on ratification, the union said.

In an email Thursday morning, spokesperson Amy Thibault said the company is “pleased” to have reached a tentative agreement yesterday.

“We’re proud of our long-standing, productive relationship with the UFCW and hope to finalize a new agreement soon.”

Negotiations between the union and company began in May. Last month, workers began calling for a boycott of CVS. By the end of the month, workers have voted to authorize a strike.

The tentative contract announcement comes days after workers at seven stores walked out for a three-day strike Friday morning as a “last resort” after alleged labor violations, including unlawfully surveilling workers and retaliation for union activities. The strike lasted through the weekend, with workers returning to their jobs Monday morning.

“We are grateful for the solidarity and strength our co-workers have shown throughout negotiations as well as the overwhelming support we have received from our customers and community members during our strike,” the committee said. “Today proves that when workers fight, we win.”