After more than seven months of bargaining, pharmacists have officially ratified a new contract.
The previous contract expired in March, and since then pharmacists have stood together through a long and difficult bargaining process. They spoke up about increasing workloads, staffing concerns, patient safety and the need for a contract that recognizes the important work they do every day.
Along the way, pharmacists signed petitions, talked with patients, participated in actions, authorized an Unfair Labor Practice strike and voted on contract proposals. After the first contract vote, pharmacists continued standing together and ultimately pushed the companies to bring forward an improved alternative offer.
Now, that offer has been ratified.
The new two-year contract includes:
- A two-year contract aligning pharmacists with pharmacy technicians and grocery clerks for greater bargaining power.
- Wage increases of $5.50 per hour for staff pharmacists and $6.00 per hour for head pharmacists, with all raises coming within six months.
- Up to 12 hours of holiday pay based on regularly scheduled hours.
This contract did not happen because the companies simply offered it. It took pharmacists standing together, speaking up and being willing to take action to move the process forward.
Seven months of bargaining. A ULP strike authorization vote. Two contract votes. Countless conversations, petitions and actions.
Pharmacists stayed united and got it done.
Forward Together, Stronger Than Ever!