Biotech
Monday, October 30th, 2023 2:09 pm EDT
Key Points
- Pharmacy Staff Protest Unsafe Working Conditions: Pharmacy workers from various drugstore chains are organizing a walkout in response to what they perceive as unsafe working conditions. They argue that these conditions pose risks to both employees and patients. The primary concerns include understaffing, inadequate pay, and mounting work expectations set by corporate management. The protest, known as “Pharmageddon,” aims to compel these companies to address these long-standing grievances.
- National Walkout to Demand Change: The walkout is scheduled to occur over three days (Monday through Wednesday) at retail pharmacy locations across the United States. While the precise number of participating employees is not definitive, the majority of those who have expressed their intent to participate come from Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. Some independent and retail pharmacies plan to stay open to provide patient services during the walkout. Organizers are considering advocating for the unionization of unrepresented pharmacy staff, although no formal agreements have been reached.
- Why Pharmacy Staff Are Walking Out: Pharmacy employees have voiced concerns about companies imposing unreasonable performance expectations without providing adequate staffing and resources. This situation was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic when pharmacists and technicians were tasked with additional responsibilities, including back-to-back tests and vaccinations. Overworked employees have to manage an increasing daily workload, which they argue leads to errors and jeopardizes patient safety. Issues of mental and physical health burnout are also raised. Performance metrics, such as filling prescriptions and administering vaccines, add further pressure. Organizers hope the walkout will raise awareness about the conditions and potentially lead to better patient understanding and support for pharmacy staff.
The article details a planned walkout by some pharmacy staff from Walgreens and other major drugstore chains to protest what they perceive as unsafe working conditions jeopardizing both employees and patients. Dubbed “Pharmageddon,” the walkout, set to occur over three days, seeks to prompt substantial changes addressing ongoing grievances. Organizers and employees cite understaffing, inadequate pay, and heightened work expectations imposed by corporate management as key concerns.
The planned walkout is anticipated to affect numerous retail pharmacy locations nationwide, primarily involving staff from Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. The organizers seek to hold rallies at select locations across the country and contemplate advocating for the unionization of unrepresented pharmacy staff, although no firm agreements exist.
The responses from the companies involved differ. Walgreens acknowledged the efforts of its staff and affirmed several steps taken to ensure optimal patient care, focusing on recruitment, retention, and rewarding pharmacy staff. CVS stated no current unusual activity regarding unplanned closures or walkouts, engaging with staff to address concerns and developing a plan to support both pharmacists and customers.
The walkout follows earlier actions taken by pharmacy staff in different locations. In the Kansas City area, CVS made commitments to improve conditions following a separate walkout. The current demonstrations add to the recent surge in U.S. labor movements.
Concerns voiced by pharmacy staff pertain to challenging working conditions exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, where employees were tasked with additional duties amid normal responsibilities, leading to potential errors that could endanger patients. Issues include overworked employees, leading to mental and physical health strains, and the imposition of performance metrics adding further pressure.
The potential unionization of pharmacy staff is a significant goal. Organizers are actively engaging with existing unions, such as IAM Healthcare and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, seeking representation for unrepresented pharmacy employees.
Employees hope the walkout will not only address working conditions but also inform patients about the challenges faced, potentially fostering understanding and patience. The walkout aims to emphasize the need for safer and more manageable working conditions, where employees can provide optimal care without risking their own well-being or that of the patients they serve.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/29/pharmacy-staff-from-walgreens-chains-like-cvs-to-walk-out-again.html
