A group of pharmacists and technicians at a Walgreens store in Vancouver, Washington have taken steps to join the Pharmacy Guild, according to a statement from the union. This move marks the first instance of Walgreens employees seeking union representation through the Pharmacy Guild, as well as the first group in Washington state to do so. The pharmacy professionals emphasized their commitment to patient care as a driving force behind their decision to unionize, stating that their top priority is the health and safety of those they serve.
The Vancouver Walgreens workers are united in their mission to bring about positive change not only for themselves but also for their patients. They are calling on Walgreens to not only acknowledge their right to unionize but also to collaborate with them in order to enhance working conditions for both patients and pharmacy professionals. This push for union representation comes on the heels of a successful vote by pharmacists and technicians at CVS to join the Pharmacy Guild, signaling a growing trend in the retail pharmacy sector.
According to Shane Jerominski, a community pharmacist and co-founder of the Pharmacy Guild, the issues faced by the pharmacists and technicians in Washington state are representative of those experienced by their counterparts across the country. These concerns include heavy workloads, increased prescription volumes, and staffing shortages. The group in Washington is seeking union representation as a means of addressing these challenges and advocating for improvements in their working conditions.
The Pharmacy Guild’s expansion into Washington state is part of a larger movement within the pharmacy industry. In response to nationwide walkouts and concerns over working conditions, pharmacists and technicians are turning to unions such as the Pharmacy Guild for support and representation. Professionals at a CVS in Las Vegas were among the first to join the Guild, followed by counterparts in Rhode Island. The push for unionization comes in the wake of what organizers have dubbed “Pharmageddon,” highlighting the need for safer and more sustainable working environments in pharmacies across the U.S.
While Walgreens has expressed its respect for the right of its employees to choose union representation, the company continues to emphasize the importance of direct communication between team members and management. Walgreens believes that maintaining a positive work environment is best achieved through collaboration between employees and their supervisors, who are dedicated to serving their communities and reimagining local healthcare. As the Pharmacy Guild gains traction among Walgreens employees in Vancouver, the conversation around union representation and worker rights in the pharmacy industry is expected to continue.
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