CVS Employees Strike for Improved Pay and Health Care at Seven SoCal Locations

CVS Workers Strike in Southern California for Better Pay and Health Care

LOS ANGELES -- Workers at seven CVS pharmacies in Southern California have initiated a strike to demand improved pay and health care. They are also protesting what they assert is the company's bad-faith contract bargaining. The strike, affecting four stores in Los Angeles and three in Orange County, began on Friday and continued over the weekend, with strikers encouraging customers not to cross picket lines.

Melissa Acosta, a pharmacy technician and member of the contract bargaining committee, accused CVS of intimidating workers and obstructing communications with union representatives. While the affected CVS locations remain open, they are staffed by managers and non-union employees.

Union workers intend to continue picketing until negotiations resume Wednesday. This strike was authorized by a vote from two local United Food and Commercial Workers unions on September 29, with over 90% in favor.

CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault expressed disappointment regarding the strike, noting that the company has made significant progress in contract negotiations and reached tentative agreements to increase pay and health insurance contributions.

Acosta shared her struggle with the company's health care plan, stating, “In my nine years with CVS, I’ve never been able to afford their health care plan,” which led her to enroll in California's state-run program.

CVS pharmacy technicians earn $24.90 an hour after five years. As the flu season approaches, technician Carlos Alfaro highlighted understaffing challenges, noting the extra workload for vaccine push initiatives.

Workers are also advocating for enhanced store security among other demands, emphasizing that current staffing levels hinder quality customer service.