Grocery pharmacy workers OK strike

Raises are sought as union alleges unfair labor practices by chains, which Ralphs denies

At least 600 pharmacists and pharmacy workers at Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons and Pavilions stores in Southern California voted “overwhelming” Friday to authorize union leadership to call for a strike.

United Food and Commercial Workers, which represents employees across seven locals, filed unfair labor practice charges against the stores with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging they have engaged in “unlawful and unfair treatment.”

The accusations include retaliation against pharmacists who engage in union activity, attempting to bribe pharmacists with bonuses rather than negotiating wage increases, and hiring temporary workers to undermine union activity.

No dates have been set for a strike, and negotiations with the stores continued Friday.

“Southern California's essential pharmacists have made their voices heard with this vote,” the union locals said in a joint statement. “This vote gives union leaders the authorization to call for a strike and lays the groundwork to allow more than 600 pharmacists across California to stand up to protect their rights and ensure they have the ability to effectively serve their patients and communities.”

John Votava, a spokesperson for Ralphs, said the grocery chain is continuing to negotiate in good faith and that the strike authorization does not mean there will be a strike or work stoppage.

“Our company is committed to continue to negotiate in good faith with the union locals until an agreement is reached that meets the needs of our pharmacy associates and ensures our custom

ers have access to affordable medicines while keeping stores competitive,” Votava said.

Votava called the allegations of unfair labor practices

a “fear tactic UFCW can use to call a strike and cause disruption for our company, associates and communities.” He said the National Labor Relations Board has not investigated the claims.

“Ralphs follows the law and has not been notified of any wrongdoing,” Votava

said.

The pharmacists currently earn an average of $66.85 an hour, but their union said that's “not enough” amid the current wave of inflation that has boosted the price of gas, groceries and other essential services.

Tim Rifenberg, who

works as a floater pharmacist at 20 pharmacies throughout Orange County, said the supermarket companies have proposed a labor contract that would raise hourly wages by $1.05 in the first year and 90 cents in each of the remaining two years. That amounts to a total increase of $2.85, but

the pharmacists want considerably more.

“We're asking for a $5 an hour increase the first year, a $4 increase the second year and a $3 increase the third year,” Rifenberg said. “That would be $12, but we've offered to reduce that. We've put a few offers on the table. When you factor in inflation

… we're just looking for a pay adjustment that would provide the same income we had a year ago.”

Albertsons, which owns Pavilions and Vons, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.