Osco Pharmacists Ratify New Three-Year Contract
Osco members overwhelmingly voted to ratify the company’s revised three-year contract offer, which includes retroactive wage increases, bonuses, personal and sick day coverage, frozen HRA health care premiums and a guaranteed 401(k) match for more than 500 Chicago-area pharmacists.
The mail ballot count was held Aug. 19 at the local union’s meeting hall in Park Ridge, with the Teamsters Local 727 Bargaining Committee and other Osco members present.
“The membership fought for every change in this contract, and I am proud of the Bargaining Committee for their hard work during these negotiations.” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “Although we didn’t get every change we wanted, this contract is economically richer than the previous contract.”
After members strongly rejected the company’s previous contract offer, the Local 727 Bargaining Committee and Osco returned to the bargaining table for another 11-hour session on July 28.
The new contract, which expires May 4, 2019, also requires the company to monitor and meet with the union to discuss technician hours and pharmacist schedule overlap. Additionally, Osco management and the union established a new Joint Union-Management Committee, which will meet throughout the year to discuss pharmacists’ concerns such as work assignments and job duties.
“Even though we have secured a new contract, the hard work must continue,” Coli said. “I’m proud of the outpouring of pharmacists’ input and support during negotiations, but we need everyone to remain involved and engaged as the contract is implemented. Reach out to your Local 727 business representative and stewards when an issue arises and take advantage of the strong grievance procedure and Joint Union-Management Committee this contract offers. The union stands ready to fight for you and to hold the company accountable for its actions.”
If you have questions, contact your Local 727 business representative, Zach Frankenbach, at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
Category: Osco, PHARMACY, Union News
