We spent two days this week with Ralphs and Albertsons bargaining the new contract. The companies are dragging their feet, wasting our time and theirs. They tried to justify lower pay for grocery pharmacists, comparing you to CVS and other retail pharmacists, by saying you don’t work as hard as they do. But we set the record straight.
We made it clear that while all union pharmacists play a critical role in patient care, grocery pharmacists take on a broader scope of responsibilities, with heavier workloads and a wider range of services. This includes administering specialty injections, managing high-volume flu vaccination seasons, handling travel medications, prescribing hormonal contraceptives, and often working with cross-trained clerks instead of dedicated technicians. These differences, along with many others, make it clear that this comparison does not reflect the full reality of your work.
What do you think the companies’ response was? They didn’t care.
Earlier this year, we put out a patient survey that examined wait times, service conditions, and medication safety. We want more patients to fill out that survey so we can show the companies that what we’re asking for is also needed by their patients.
We will soon distribute buttons with QR codes to the survey. Please wear one every shift to start conversations with your patients and ask them to fill out the survey to join the contract fight. Every response ensures safer conditions and better care for your patients and yourselves.
We have new bargaining dates on May 11 and 12. We’ll send another update after those sessions.
If you have any questions about bargaining, please contact your Union Representative.