California UFCW CVS Pharmacy Workers End First Strike Wave Over Unfair Labor Practices

LOS ANGELES — This past weekend, CVS workers from seven stores walked out on an unfair labor practice strike in response to CVS’ unlawful activities that have interfered with bargaining and prevented them from reaching a fair agreement. A strike is always a workers’ last resort when they are fighting for the contract they deserve, but CVS has engaged in multiple labor violations from allegedly unlawfully surveilling workers and retaliating against workers for union activity. These actions hinder CVS workers from getting the contract they deserve, and attempt to strong-arm workers into accepting an offer that is less than what they need to thrive in Southern California.

This first-time strike for CVS workers in Southern California included:

• Workers walking out at seven locations in Los Angeles and Orange County
• Hundreds of workers and supporters joining the picket line
• Tens of thousands of social media views
• Millions of union members across California showing their support

“Despite the fact that our members can’t afford to go without a paycheck, these workers took a huge sacrifice this weekend to protest CVS’ numerous illegal Unfair Labor Practices that are making it even harder for them to negotiate for the contract that they need to survive,” said UFCW Local 770 President Kathy Finn. “We sincerely hope that CVS’ new CEO David Joyner will reverse the disrespect workers have been feeling at work and in negotiations, and sit down with us and bargain in good faith to give workers the wages, healthcare, and safer stores they and their customers deserve.“

The bargaining committee returns to the bargaining table Oct. 23, where it expects CVS to respect the work their employees do. This weekend shows that CVS workers will continue fighting for what they deserve and are more than ready to walk out again with their communities’, customers’, and patients’ support.