Home » US business news • US Employment News » Walgreens pharmacy workers and others plan to walk out again
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Pharmacy staff from Walgreens and other major drugstore chains are planning to strike against unsafe working conditions.
The employees say such conditions risk both employees and patients.
This move follows a series of longstanding grievances among retail pharmacy staff.
Read More: Walgreens Pharmacy Workers Could Protest Over Working Conditions
It includes staff shortages, inadequate compensation, and higher work expectations imposed by corporate management.
Organizers of this walkout, "Pharmageddon," have scheduled the protest from Monday to Wednesday at various retail pharmacy locations nationwide.
While the number of participating employees remains uncertain, the organizers expect an impact on hundreds of stores across different chains.
It’ll affect primarily Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.
Read More: Walgreens Pharmacy Workers Walk Out Over Unsafe Conditions
Shane Jerominski, one of the organizers and a former Walgreens pharmacist, expressed that most participants will likely be Walgreens employees.
They initiated the effort, along with CVS and Rite Aid staff.
Organizers also plan to hold rallies at select locations in different parts of the country.
However, some involved parties have chosen to remain anonymous due to concerns of potential retaliation.
In addition to addressing immediate concerns, organizers are exploring the possibility of unionization for pharmacy staff who currently lack representation.
However, no concrete agreements have been reached to move forward.
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Pharmacy staff walkouts have gained traction following separate strikes at Walgreens locations nationwide and CVS stores in Kansas City.
After the Kansas City walkouts, CVS management acknowledged concerns and committed to implementing improvements, including increased staffing and paid overtime.
These protests add to the notable resurgence of labor movements in the US, underscoring the challenges faced by retail pharmacy employees in recent years.
Walgreens and CVS, two of the largest pharmacy chains in the US, have faced criticism over imposing performance demands that many consider unreasonable.
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Both firms lack the staffing and resources to fulfill tasks safely and responsibly.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists and technicians had to cope with additional responsibilities, such as administering tests and vaccinations, leading to further strain.
The understaffing and increased workload have raised concerns about patient safety.
Many pharmacy staff mentioned their struggle to focus, potentially leading to prescription errors.
The stress from these working conditions has taken a toll on the mental and physical health of pharmacy employees, causing burnout.
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Some pharmacy staff attribute their work stress to performance metrics imposed by their employers, like meeting specific daily prescription and vaccination quotas.
Organizers claim that retail pharmacy chains prioritize immunizations due to their higher profit margins than regular prescriptions.
Despite the challenges, both Walgreens and CVS maintain that they are taking steps to address concerns.
Walgreens has phased out performance-based metrics and improved technology to manage workloads better.
CVS has engaged with staff to directly address issues and develop action plans supporting pharmacists and customers.
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