Local 727 Makes Waves at Latest Meeting of IL Pharmacy Task Force

Teamsters Local 727 continued the fight for pharmacy reform at the most recent meeting of the Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, where the issue of distracting superfluous duties assigned to pharmacists was the latest matter to be considered.

Local 727 representatives in attendance informed the Task Force of the numerous responsibilities, including but not limited to cold calling, creating goody bags, and making store announcements, that pharmacists are required to perform while simultaneously meeting high prescription dispensing quotas.  The Union emphasized to the Task Force the dangers job duties which distract from the safe filling of prescriptions pose and urged the committee to consider recommending a ban on such distractions when only one pharmacist is on duty.  The Union’s insight on the impact of nonprofessional additional tasks and high prescription quotas generated curiosity and successfully garnered agreement from committee members who were previously less receptive to pro-worker policy recommendations.

“By sharing the reality of what challenges face hardworking pharmacists every day on the job, this Union has successfully convinced multiple Task Force members to reconsider their positions,” stated John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.

The Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force must vote on recommendations to be included in Illinois statute by September 1, 2019.  The committee members must then present their recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by November 1, 2019, at which time the General Assembly will decide whether to accept the recommendations.

“Our presence has made a tremendous impact on this Task Force.  We won’t stop now,” added Coli.  “Local 727 will continue to show up and speak up on behalf of our members.  We will not give up until new work standards are proposed that allow our members to safely do the work they love.”

The Task Force is tentatively scheduled to meet next on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.  Local 727 will continue to update our members on the progress of the Task Force.

Members with questions 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 additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: PHARMACY