CVS Workers to Hold Strike Authorization Vote Next Week
Customer Action this Thursday in Oceanside
San Diego, CA — UFCW Local 135, representing over 900 CVS workers in San Diego County, will conduct an electronic strike authorization vote from September 23 at 8:00 AM through September 25 at 5:00 PM. This action comes after more than two months with an expired contract and with negotiations dragging on due to weak wage proposals from the company.
Statewide, more than 7,400 UFCW members from eight Locals, covering over 380 CVS Pharmacies, are participating in this vote. Union members are fighting for fair pay and benefits that recognize their essential role, safe staffing levels to prevent theft, burnout, and dangerous working conditions, as well as affordable and comprehensive health benefits to protect their well-being.
UFCW Local 135 President Todd Walters emphasized the urgency of the situation:
“Our members have worked hard on the frontlines, especially through the pandemic, but CVS has failed to offer what we consider a fair contract. The vote will send a strong message that these workers deserve wages and benefits that reflect their value to the company and their communities.”
The results of the strike authorization vote will be determined by the combined vote totals of UFCW members across the state from Locals 5, 135, 324, 648, 770, 1167, 1428, and 1442.
In addition to the vote, UFCW Local 135 will be holding a Support CVS Workers Customer Action on Thursday, September 19 at the nonunion CVS Pharmacy located at 4615 Frazee Road in Oceanside. Union members will engage with customers, urging them to support union CVS workers by transferring their prescriptions to a nearby union grocery store pharmacy and canceling their CVS CarePass memberships.
UFCW is calling on CVS to step up and provide a contract that respects the hard work and dedication of its employees.
For more information on the strike vote or the customer action, contact UFCW Local 135 Communications Director Brent Beltran at 619.866.8595.
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United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 135 has a membership of over 12,000 workers throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties. Members consist of workers in various fields including grocery & retail; health, pharmacy & dental; meat & sugar processing; gaming; cannabis; and coffee. UFCW Local 135 is part of the 1.3 million-member strong UFCW International.