120 CVS workers in Long Beach could walk off the job; here's why
Thousands of CVS workers across California will take part in a strike authorization vote after their union alleged months of unsuccessful negotiations.
More than 7,000 CVS workers across California will begin voting to potentially authorize a strike following months of failed attempts to negotiate with their union, the United Food and Commercial Workers, the union announced Thursday.
The union represents 120 workers across six stores in Long Beach, UFCW spokesperson Jenna Thompson said.
The union's local chapters will announce the results after voting ends on Sept. 27.
"We’re in active discussions with the union and are confident we can reach an agreement that supports workplace safety, appropriate staffing and competitive wages and benefits," said CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault. "We look forward to finalizing an agreement soon."
If workers vote to authorize a strike, that does not mean they are automatically on strike. But an authorization would allow workers to walk off the job at will if CVS continues to not meet their demands. If workers do walk out, Thibault said the company has a contingency plan in place.
The union's bargaining committee has been in negotiations with the company since May to draw up a contract that includes fair wages, safe staffing levels and affordable health insurance for workers.
“When we started negotiating with CVS on a new contract in May we came to the table willing to put in the time and work to get it done. But instead of working with us towards a reasonable contract, our employer would rather disrespect us to our faces and offer proposals that grossly underestimate our value and their wealth," the committee said.
The average CVS clerk makes less than $20 an hour and cannot afford to buy health insurance from the company, UFCW reported, adding that CVS made a profit of $11 billion in 2023 and paid CEO Karen Lynch more than $21 million last year.
Pharmacy technicians, who must complete an intensive training program and show proof of state certification and licensing requirements, make $24.90 an hour after five years, the union said.
“Moving forward, we will continue to stand together with our fellow UFCW members, our customers, our patients, and our communities as we take this important next step in making our voices heard," a bargaining committee member said in a statement.
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