California Pharmacy Workers Secure Strong Contract with CVS, Setting New Standards in Wages and Benefits

LOS ANGELES — On Nov. 8, members of United Food and Commercial Workers or UFCW Locals 5, 135, 324, 648, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 voted to ratify a new three-year contract with CVS Pharmacy. The agreement was reached after months of negotiations, a three-day ULP strike, and active participation from thousands of California pharmacists, pharmacy clerks, and technicians. 

The eight UFCW Locals released the following statement:

“​​Today, by ratifying this contract, CVS workers have secured significant wage increases for all workers, more secure staffing levels, and a more affordable healthcare plan for members who were struggling with the high cost of the company’s health plan. After countless hours at the bargaining table and a strategic strike in seven Southern California pharmacies protesting the company’s illegal actions, the hard-working members of UFCW stood together for their families and each other and secured a strong contract. This contract is a concrete and direct result of the tireless work of the member-led bargaining committee. Together, our members are fighting for a more promising future, and this contract will help to achieve that goal.”

Background

Key provisions of the agreement include:

Wage increases for all workers each year of the contract. Initial increases will be retroactive to July 7, 2024.

New longevity rates at 10 and 15 years resulting in wage increases of close to 20% over three years.

Elimination of two-tier wage scale for store associates and associate Rx classifications.

Increased healthcare bonus for employees who were struggling with the high cost of the company plan.

Protection of health benefits for those employees who are in the union-managed health plan.

This contract will go into effect immediately for over 7,000 essential pharmacy workers in CVS locations across California.