A group of pharmacists and technicians at a Walgreens store in Vancouver, Washington are making history by seeking to join the Pharmacy Guild, a national union focused on representing pharmacy professionals. This move marks the first time Walgreens employees have filed to join the Pharmacy Guild, and the first group in Washington state to do so. The group has expressed a deep concern for their patients’ health and safety, stating that their top priority in this decision to unionize is to make a positive change that will benefit both patients and pharmacy professionals alike.
This decision to unionize comes on the heels of a successful vote by CVS pharmacists and technicians to join the Pharmacy Guild. The co-founder of the Pharmacy Guild, Shane Jerominski, emphasized that the goal is not only to represent CVS employees, but also to expand this movement to pharmacies across the nation. The pharmacy workers in Washington state are seen as representative of similar concerns shared by pharmacy professionals nationwide. Issues like heavy workloads, staff shortages, and increased prescription volumes have been cited as reasons for seeking union representation.
The Pharmacy Guild was formed in response to nationwide walkouts by pharmacists and technicians who were dissatisfied with what they described as unsafe working conditions. This movement, dubbed “Pharmageddon,” gained momentum as professionals from various drugstore chains joined forces to demand better working conditions. The initiative, led by IAM Healthcare, is part of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers. With the backing of a national organization, pharmacy employees across the country are expected to follow suit and join the Pharmacy Guild.
In response to the growing trend of pharmacy workers seeking union representation, Walgreens issued a statement acknowledging the right of their team members to choose union representation. However, the company emphasized its belief in maintaining a positive work environment through direct communication between employees and managers. Walgreens stressed their commitment to serving communities and reimagining local healthcare through collaboration within the organization.
The decision by pharmacy workers in Washington state to unionize represents a significant shift in the landscape of pharmacy professionals seeking better working conditions and representation. As the Pharmacy Guild gains momentum and support from pharmacy workers across the nation, the future of pharmacy practice may see positive changes that benefit both employees and patients alike.
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