CVS workers in Southern California have taken a stand for better pay and improved healthcare benefits, leading to strikes at seven stores in the region. The employees are also protesting what they perceive as unfair contract negotiations by the company.
The walkout impacted four CVS locations in Los Angeles and three in Orange County, commencing on a Friday morning and extending through the weekend. Strikers outside one of the Los Angeles stores urged customers to support them by not crossing the picket lines. Melissa Acosta, a pharmacy technician and member of the contract bargaining committee, accused the company of intimidation tactics towards workers and obstructing their communication with union representatives. Despite the strike, the affected CVS stores have remained operational, with managers and non-union staff filling in.
The workers plan to continue picketing until negotiations are scheduled to resume on Wednesday. The strike was sanctioned by a vote from the two local United Food and Commercial Workers unions on September 29, with over 90% in favour of the action. Meanwhile, CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault expressed disappointment at the strike and mentioned that the company had made progress towards finalising a contract, including tentative agreements to raise wages and enhance health insurance contributions.
One striking worker, Acosta, highlighted the unaffordable nature of CVS’s health insurance plan, necessitating her enrolment in California’s state-run programme, Covered California. She emphasised that in her nine years of service with CVS, she has never been able to afford the company’s health coverage. The healthcare industry, including major pharmacy chains like CVS, has been grappling with rising costs and increased online competition. CVS Health’s CEO, Karen Lynch, recently stepped down amid a 19% drop in the company’s shares, as CVS nears the completion of a three-year plan to shutter 900 stores.
As it stands, CVS pharmacy technicians, mandated to undergo rigorous training and fulfil licensing requirements, currently earn $24.90 per hour after five years of employment, according to the union. Carlos Alfaro, a technician participating in the strike, highlighted the issue of understaffing as the flu season approaches, with added responsibilities such as promoting vaccinations. Workers also noted the inconvenience caused by items being locked up in stores for anti-theft measures, leading to delays in customer service. The employees are advocating for improved staffing levels, better store security, and other demands.
The strike by CVS workers in Southern California underscores the ongoing challenges faced by frontline healthcare workers seeking fair compensation and improved working conditions.