Thousands of Rite Aid Pharmacy workers represented by UFCW Locals in Southern California have overwhelmingly voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike.
Rite Aid members have been working for over two months with an expired contract, and Rite Aid has refused to make us a fair offer. And while we’ve been at the table trying to reach a deal, they’ve been breaking the law by committing numerous unfair labor practices, like offering incentives to employees not to sign petitions, bargaining directly with employees and bypassing the union in an attempt to convince employees to waive the company’s lunch penalty in violation of our contract and unilaterally implementing a bonus in an attempt to boost vaccination rates.
Their illegal activity is making it more difficult for us to negotiate a fair agreement. It’s time for Rite Aid to come back to the negotiating table with fair contract offers that truly reflect the value of our essential healthcare services and the company’s financial success.
A ULP Strike Authorization DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ON STRIKE. All contract provisions/protections remain in place while we are negotiating, including your health insurance. You should continue to go to work according to your work schedule until an official representative of the union notifies you that a strike impacting your store has started. It’s very important to stay in touch with your Union Rep who will be communicating information to members in the stores about actions and next steps. IF YOU WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE THE UNION DECLARES A STRIKE, YOU CAN BE DISCIPLINED AND/OR FIRED.
Our next bargaining session is set for Monday, October 21, 2024.
