CVS workers call for a boycott of the company amid contract negotiations
Unionized workers are voting on whether to authorize a strike, with results expected by the end of the week, the union says.
Dozens of CVS Pharmacy workers gathered outside stores in Long Beach and Anaheim Monday calling for customers to boycott the health care company as contract negotiations continue to drag on.
The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents 7,000 CVS workers in California, began negotiating with the company in May, demanding higher wages, improved benefits and safety, and appropriate staffing. The previous contract expired June 30.
Seeing little progress, workers are now calling on customers to cancel their memberships, transfer their prescriptions to other companies such as Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart, and boycott CVS.
“I've been part of negotiations — feeling very frustrated, not appreciated,” Sandra Pagan, a lead pharmacy technician at the Long Beach traffic circle location, said in an interview Monday. “This company is making billions and I can barely make ends meet after 37 years of service.”
Last year, CVS reported nearly $8.4 billion in profits, which was nearly double from the previous year, according to financial reports. While most employees are paid less than $20 per hour, CEO Karen Lynch was paid $21.62 million last year, which equates to nearly $10,400 per hour.
Of the 37 years she has been with the company, Pagan said 34 have been in Long Beach. Despite decades with the company, she said her company health insurance has a $3,000 deductible, which often leaves her second guessing whether to go see a doctor.
“I work for a healthcare company, I should have the best healthcare out there,” she said.
The union also claims the company health insurance is unaffordable to more than 80% of workers.
Amy Thibault, a spokesperson for CVS, said the company is “confident” an agreement can be reached. Progress has been made over the course of five sessions, Thibault added, with tentative agreements related to how long it takes employees to reach the top rate of pay.
“There’s more to do, but we’re committed to working together,” Thibault said in a statement Monday. “We look forward to reconvening with UFCW on October 16 and 18 to continue negotiations and hope to finalize an agreement soon.”
A vote to authorize a strike is underway by union members, with results expected by the end of this week. If approved, workers could soon walk off the job.
UFCW Local 234, which represents 120 CVS workers in Long Beach, has filed charges against the company, claiming it has engaged in multiple unfair labor practices, weakening workers’ bargaining position.
But as hospitals like Long Beach Memorial shutter outpatient pharmacy services, Pagan said the role of third-party pharmacies is more crucial for communities than ever. Additionally, the stores sell food and other items that many people rely on, she added.
“We serve our community. We like helping customers,” Pagan said. “But [the company] is more for the money. Instead of being able to take the time with the customer, maybe give them cost-effective alternatives, we really don’t have that time. It’s a disservice to the community.”
