Union and CVS to Resume Mediation on October 3rd
Teamsters Local 727 and CVS management are headed back to the negotiating table Tuesday, October 3, 2017, and will continue mediation for a new contract. The Union is continuing to fight for the demands from pharmacists and is eager to see long-awaited movement from CVS.
“Getting CVS to schedule the October 3rd mediation date proved to be more difficult than it needed to be,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.
In fact, Local 727 was available to meet earlier (on August 8th and August 10th) as was the mediator, but CVS stated they could not meet in August. Due to CVS’s unwillingness to meet in August, the mediator offered dates in September and the Union again accepted multiple dates (9/5, 9/6, 9/12, 9/21 and 9/22).
CVS responded that it could not meet on any of the five dates accepted by the mediator and Local 727. The mediator offered an additional 18 dates in October, in an effort to accommodate CVS’s availability, to which CVS responded that they could only meet on one day (October 3rd).
Given CVS’s measly availability, the Union continued to press CVS to schedule more than one date to avoid any further delay. CVS refused to provide other dates and, as a result, the Parties have only confirmed October 3rd.
“CVS’s delay tactics make it seem like they don’t care about the pharmacists’ demands,” said Coli. “Even when negotiations do occur, CVS finds a reason to leave early, alleging they have to catch a flight home. The Union will not be deterred by these tactics and is determined to fight for the pharmacists’ best interests.”
If you have any questions, please contact your business agent, Melissa Senatore, 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.
