What happened during our first pharmacist contract bargaining session?

Plus next steps to get the contract you deserve

Today, we met with Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions for our first day of bargaining on our pharmacist contract. We showed up with the largest bargaining committee we’ve ever had to get the contract we deserve and fight against company policies that burn us out and put us at risk of errors that could harm our patients. 

We began the bargaining session by presenting all of our proposals, including wages that keep up with inflation and are comparable to what other retail pharmacists earn, sufficient staffing to support safe patient care, and improvements to our pension so we can retire with dignity.

The companies didn’t have any of their own proposals ready to discuss today, however we encourage them to take the time between now and our next meeting to think about the value we bring to their companies and provide fair responses to our proposals.

Pharmacists are already stretched to the limit. Despite inadequate staffing, we manage long lines and nonstop phone calls and ensure prescriptions are filled accurately and on time. Even in the middle of flu season and with growing demands, pharmacists continue to put patient care first. 

Patients deserve more. So do we. It’s time our companies put us first. Standing together, whether we’re at the bargaining table or in our pharmacies, will show Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions that we have the power to fight to make our jobs better and that we’re serious about our proposals.

What’s Next? 

We will be scheduling new bargaining dates with the companies soon, and we will send you another update after that session.