From CNBC: 2024-04-26 15:44:59

A CVS Omnicare pharmacy in Las Vegas has made history by becoming the first location to join a new national pharmacy union. Nearly 30 pharmacy staff members won their union election in a landslide victory. The Pharmacy Guild will now represent these workers in labor negotiations with CVS.

The Pharmacy Guild was launched in November after a nationwide walkout of pharmacy staff, organized by IAM Healthcare. This effort, dubbed “Pharmageddon,” highlighted concerns about unsafe staffing levels and workloads across major drugstore chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.

Pharmacy staff have long been discontented with understaffing and increasing work expectations. The guild aims to address these issues by pushing for higher standards of practice in pharmacies to protect both employees and patients. The Covid pandemic exacerbated these challenges.

A CVS Health spokesperson stated that the company respects its employees’ decision to unionize. Omnicare pharmacies in 49 states, acquired by CVS in 2015, face similar issues as other pharmacies. The Pharmacy Guild is working to strike a union contract with CVS to address these concerns.

Workers in Las Vegas are seeking consistent schedules to ensure technicians receive 40 hours of work each week. Momentum is building for the Pharmacy Guild, with pharmacy staff in Rhode Island filing to unionize. CVS headquarters is based in Rhode Island.



Read more at CNBC: CVS Omnicare pharmacy in Vegas is first to join new pharmacy union