Union Challenges Osco’s Refusal to Provide Information and Lack of Cooperation

Recently Osco unilaterally decided to reduce pharmacy operational hours at four 24-hour pharmacy locations. The reduction in hours resulted in the transfer of several long-term overnight pharmacists from their stores to the day time float pool.

In an attempt to work through this issue, Teamsters Local 727 demanded bargaining and proposed that Osco seek volunteers from the pool of current overnight pharmacists instead of automatically transferring long-term employees. Osco dismissed the Union’s proposal for compromise and instead refused to send an email seeking volunteers.

“The Union’s proposal was a fair solution that could have avoided the involuntary transfer of long-term employees” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “Osco’s unwillingness to agree to send a simple email is an insult to these long-term employees who have dedicated their careers to the Company.”

Osco’s recent lack of cooperation has also led to the filing of an unfair labor practice charge as a result of the Company’s refusal to provide presumptively relevant information about its employee benefits plans, a key element of the pharmacist’s terms and conditions of work.

Local 727 initially requested information concerning these plans in July 2016 after the Union discovered that the Company was not providing the same employee benefits to pharmacists as it does to other employees. After an almost four-month delay, the Company finally refused to provide the information unless the union signed a confidentiality agreement.

“What does Osco have to hide?” Coli said. “Local 727 prides itself on transparency and Osco members have a right to this information.”

Teamsters Local 727 will continue to update Osco pharmacists. Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].

Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: Osco, PHARMACY, Union News