As Deadline for IL Pharmaceutical Task Force Recommendations Approaches, Local 727 Continues to Demand a Revote on 12-Hour Workday

On Tuesday, July 9, members of the Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force once again discussed and voted to approve a number of recommendations for reforming the Pharmacy Practice Act (PPA).  To Teamsters Local 727’s dissatisfaction, the Task Force did not, however, adequately address the Union’s demand that a new vote be held to determine whether the Task Force should recommend pharmacists’ workdays be capped at 8 or 12 hours.

Local 727’s demand for a revote is a direct result of the Task Force’s refusal to allow Teamster pharmacists in attendance at its June 19 meeting to share their opinions and rationale for advocating for an 8-hour cap.  Even after Union representatives reminded Task Force members that the Illinois Open Meetings Act gives every person the right to address public officials, the Task Force continued to deny Teamster pharmacists’ right to speak and ultimately proceeded to vote in favor of capping a pharmacist’s work day at 12 hours.

Rather than directly address this serious failure to follow state law and to properly remedy the situation with a revote, the Chairman of the Task Force merely stated in the July meeting that attendees would be given an opportunity to speak at the Task Force’s final meeting in August.

“Offering the opportunity to speak on a matter that will not be voted again is a worthless gesture seemly geared towards quieting our outspoken opposition,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.

“Local 727 will not allow this issue to be swept under the rug,” added Coli.  “We will continue to advocate and fight on behalf of our pharmacist members for an 8-hour workday.”

The Task Force is scheduled to conduct its final meeting on Tuesday, August 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Members with questions, or those wanting to share their experiences with the Task Force, should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected] or Local 727 CVS Business Representative 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 grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law.  The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: PHARMACY