New Pharmacy Work Standards Legislation Expected to Pass Unopposed in the Illinois House
Updated pharmacy work rules that make working conditions more manageable for Illinois pharmacists are a step closer to becoming reality. Illinois House Bill 3462 is poised to officially pass both chambers in the Illinois State House, with no opposition, when the House reconvenes later this summer.
The bill creates a task force to consider pharmacy issues, including the new work standards Teamsters Local 727 proposed earlier this year. The task force will have one representative from a labor organization representing pharmacies. The union is working to make sure it’s a Teamsters representative.
“We’re extremely pleased and excited about this pending accomplishment,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “When this legislation finally does become law, we anticipate a less contentious and protracted contract negotiating process for our members.”
The House adjourned earlier this week without a budget, with the plan to return over the summer. “I don’t expect any opposition; it’s just a matter of the bill moving procedurally,” said Jeff Crabtree, Political Director for Joint Council 25. “We’ll be pushing for it to move the next time they go in to session.”
The new work standards proposed by Local 727 include the following provisions:
- Limits on prescriptions filled per hour not to exceed 10 prescriptions
- At least 10 pharmacy technician hours per 100 prescriptions
- Require pharmacists to report dispensing errors
- Require mandatory staffing levels at Illinois pharmacies that include one pharmacy tech per pharmacist at all times
- Prohibit pharmacists from working no more than eight hours per day
- Place a general prohibition on activities such as advertising or solicitation mandates that distract pharmacists from doing their job serving the public
- Mandatory pharmacist paid rest breaks and meal periods
- Language added to incorporate “whistleblower protection.”
Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected], or Local 727 CVS Bargaining Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
