Albertsons and Ralphs came to last week’s bargaining sessions unprepared to meet the moment.
We had two days of bargaining. On the first day, the companies finally presented a wage proposal: $1.00 in the first year, $0.75 in the second, and $1.00 in the third. Well below inflation and far short of what pharmacists have seen in other recent contracts.
There was also no retroactive pay.
On the second day, we made our message clear:
- It is hard to keep up
- Staffing is insufficient
- Wages are not keeping up with inflation or the level of responsibility pharmacists carry
This is not just a job—it is a profession, and it deserves to be treated like one.
After hearing this, the companies made only a minimal change, increasing their proposal to $1.00 in each year of the contract. This still does not come close to addressing the issues pharmacists are facing every day.
It’s clear the companies are not moving enough on their own. What happens next depends on all of us.
What’s Next
Union Representatives are currently in stores circulating a petition. This is an important opportunity to show the companies that pharmacists are united and serious about winning a contract that reflects their value.
If you or your coworkers haven’t signed yet, reach out to your Union Representative.
Bargaining resumes Friday, April 17, and we will provide another update after that session.
In the meantime: sign the petition, talk to your coworkers, and continue showing unity in your pharmacy.