CVS Pharmacists Express Disgust Over Company’s Latest Proposal
CVS pharmacists have expressed disgust over the company’s latest contract proposal, which still includes radical concessions such as mandatory 12-hour shifts, forcing pharmacists to perform work on uncompensated time and meager wage increases.
“Every pharmacist we’ve talked to has said they have no interest in the company’s most recent proposal,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “Pharmacists are telling the Local 727 Bargaining Committee to keep fighting for the quality of life issues that matter most to them, and that’s what we are doing.”
Teamsters Local 727 continues to inform the public of CVS management’s mistreatment of pharmacists while waiting to return to the bargaining table on July 20 and July 21. During the ninth negotiation meeting on May 26, CVS altogether refused to budge from its unreasonable proposals and spent the ensuing weeks passing out the proposal to pharmacists in their stores.
“Our pharmacists will not be intimidated. This isn’t just about their contract, this is about their lives and their livelihoods,” Coli said. “They are standing strong, and the union is standing by them.”
REMEMBER: Under federal law, CVS may not change the status quo of any working condition during bargaining even though the contract has expired.
Have You Signed the Petition?
When contract negotiations resume next month, the Local 727 Bargaining Committee will present to CVS management a petition from pharmacists, who are calling on the company to reach a fair agreement on a new contract.
The petition states:
CVS Pharmacists’ Petition for a Fair Contract
We, the undersigned CVS pharmacists, have dedicated our lives and careers to the service of others. We are professionals who are trusted with caring for and consulting our patients.
However, when we are constantly given more work with less help and little down time during our demanding shifts, this affects our ability to do our jobs. And now, CVS management wants to force us to work 12-hour shifts without allowing us the time and support we need to complete our ever-growing list of daily tasks, which could impact customer safety.
We are calling on CVS management to reach a fair agreement with the Teamsters Local 727 Bargaining Committee on a new contract that allows us return our focus to taking care of customers under safe working conditions.
Local 727 business representative Melissa Senatore will continue to visit CVS stores to gather pharmacists’ signatures. Pharmacists also can sign the petition online at http://tiny.cc/CVSpetition.
If you have questions, contact your Local 727 business representative, Melissa Senatore, at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
