Southern CA Rite Aid Negotiations Update
September 12, 2018
You may have seen the letter from Rite Aid HR threatening to “implement” their contract offer on their workers because “UFCW” won’t agree to their demands.
A few things to keep in mind about this:
UFCW = YOU. Every time Rite Aid says “UFCW” they really mean “Rite Aid workers.” You are the union. They are doing this because they don’t want to bargain in good faith with you.
Rite Aid is becoming desperate.
This isn’t a plan – it’s a threat. They are trying to intimidate and scare you into something. Don’t be fooled.
What does “implementation” mean?
Implementation is a way for Rite Aid to force their contract changes on you without you voting on them.
When a corporation in negotiations can’t get what they want, they try to declare an “impasse” and then “implement” the last offer they made to the union. This strategy is used by employers who can’t get everything they want.
It’s a long process and subject to a lot of legal roadblocks, and we are prepared to deal with this.
Why this means what we’re doing is working:
The unity of workers in the stores and standing up to Rite Aid’s insulting offers is working.
So instead of trying to negotiate, they are going to try and force their offer on you.
This only works if we let them do it. By standing together we can force them back to the bargaining table.
What you can do:
- First, don’t let the company intimidate or scare you. That’s their goal.
- Second, keep up the good work, support each another and stay united. It is clearly working. Public support is with us and Rite Aid has panicked in response.
- Finally, stay in contact with your leads or Union Representatives and check your union local’s website so you have the latest information.
Stick together and we will prove … Solidarity Works!
Southern California Rite Aid Negotiations Update, August 31, 2018
Negotiations continued this week with Rite Aid in Southern California. While we continue to try and reach a fair deal at the bargaining table, lawyers negotiating on behalf of Rite Aid failed to move things forward.
Your union has held fast to the following:
- No elimination of the jointly managed health care plan.
- No elimination of health care for senior citizen retirees.
- No elimination of full-time positions.
We stand ready to reach a fair deal, however, the total surrender of your power in the workplace and the protections you have in your contract are too high a price.
Recently Rite Aid union members voted overwhelmingly to reject these proposals and go on strike if necessary.
In recent public opinion polling:
- Nearly 70% of customers said they would not cross a picket line to shop at Rite Aid.
- 60% said they would take their prescriptions elsewhere.
- And nearly 90% of customers said they supported you, the employees, over the corporate management of Rite Aid.
When we stand together and support one another, we have the power. We are stronger together!
We will keep you informed as developments occur. In the meantime, stay strong and tell your managers you stand with your union 100 percent!
Together, we will prove ...
Solidarity Works!
Southern California Rite Aid Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Reject the Company’s Offer and Authorize their Union to Strike if Deemed Necessary
UFCW members in Southern CA working at Rite Aid Overwhelmingly Vote to Reject Rite Aid Proposal to Eliminate Health Care Plan and Benefits for Retirees
In a decisive display of strength and unity, Rite Aid members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) in Southern CA rejected management’s contract offer. The company’s proposal would make it almost impossible for employees to attain wage increases, eliminate wage protections for pharmacists, and cruelly strips retirees of health care benefits promised to them in their retirement, leaving them without medical coverage.
The company’s offer includes a wage increase for workers but applies unattainable conditions which guarantee virtually no employees will actually see a wage increase. Workers who do see an increase will be forced to pay most of the raise back to Rite Aid in the form of health care premiums.
Workers at the top rate will have their pay “frozen”, meaning their wages will remain the same for the entire life of the contract.
If workers receive a minimum wage increase during the calendar year or if they receive an increase based on seniority, the above-mentioned raise would not apply to them. Under these draconian conditions, almost no workers will qualify for a raise.
The company’s offer also eliminates the current health plan, removing benefits and oversight, and strips health care from all current and future retirees. Seniors who spent decades working for Rite Aid will lose health benefits immediately if the company proposal were to go into effect.
“I am a single person who supports myself. I have no other source of income to cover health care benefits and this change would be devastating to me. I worked for Rite Aid for 22 years and I am counting on this benefit during my retirement,” says Dolores Alvarez, a retired clerk.
Denice Gibson, a pharmacy technician for 37 years currently working at a store in Van Nuys, states: “I do not want the company health benefits. I want Union benefits for all employees.”
“This year Rite Aid decided they will only pay pharmacists 25 cents more and new pharmacists a lot less,” said Weikang Peng, a pharmacist with Rite Aid for 17 years. “This is unacceptable to us and we are ready to fight.”
Carmen Ulloa is a single mother who has worked for 14 years as a shift supervisor at a Rite Aid in Sherman Oaks. Ulloa points out the company’s proposal prevents workers from receiving wage increases. “Things such as bills are already a struggle. We are struggling to get by and a raise in health care plans would harm hundreds.”
Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains, operating more than 4,500 stores. In 2017, the company reported annual revenues of $32.8 billion. Rite Aid and its shareholders stand to make $24 billion dollars in their pending merger with Albertsons. Their offer to their employees is nothing but a bait and switch for current employees and an immoral attack on senior citizens.
Southern California Rite Aid Update – July 13, 2018
Southern California Rite Aid negotiations continued this week and management’s offer has not substantially changed. Rite Aid has put several outrageous demands on the table, including:
• Eliminating health care for up to 70% of employees;
• An insulting wage proposal;
• Eliminating full-time positions.
While Rite Aid continues to pursue a $24 billion merger with Albertson’s, their proposals at the bargaining table do not adequately meet the needs of our members.
Negotiations are scheduled to resume next week. Continue to stay tuned for additional information about meetings and an opportunity to make your voice heard in this fight.
Now is the time to get involved. For details, talk to your District Union Representative, follow our Facebook page, check your Union bulletin board, visit our website at www.ufcw8.org/RiteAid, and make sure we have your current contact information so you can receive text updates.
Your Union’s negotiating team will continue fighting to get our members the contract they deserve. Our success requires the solidarity of our membership.
Most importantly, stand strong and tell your managers you back your union 100 percent!
Together, we will prove, Solidarity Works!
Southern California Rite Aid Update – June 8, 2018
Bargaining continued with Rite Aid in Southern California this week. Along with inadequate wage proposals, Rite Aid continues to push eliminating the current Union and Employer health plan and replacing it with a plan solely-administered by the company. The company plan not only offers inferior coverage at a higher cost to members, it also gives management the power to continue raising out-of-pocket costs and cut benefits.
“Rite Aid thrives because of our hard-working members. Our members deserve fair wage increases and the peace of mind and security which comes from having a jointly administered Union and employer healthcare plan,” said President Jacques Loveall.
As questions arise, avoid the rumor mill and contact your District Union Representative. Be sure your Union has your current address and phone number and follow us on social media to stay updated as negotiations progress.
The solidarity and commitment of our Rite Aid members will make the difference in these negotiations. Continue standing together with your co-workers and remain united. Together we’ll prove, once again,
Solidarity Works!
Southern California Rite Aid Update – June 4, 2018
Negotiations with Rite Aid in Southern California resumed this week with additional meeting dates scheduled later in June.
Rite Aid has proposed pulling out of the current Union and Employer health plan, and replacing it with a plan solely-administered by the company, eliminating retiree health care and giving management the power to raise out-of-pocket costs, make qualifying for benefits more difficult, and cut benefits at will.
"Rite Aid’s current proposal does not take care of our member’s needs,” said President Jacques Loveall. "Our hard-working members help make Rite Aid profitable and deserve to have their health care protected.”
As negotiations move forward, it’s common for management to try and divide members and test your resolve. Remember, management’s priority is to increase profits, even at your expense.
Your Union’s priority is protecting and improving the lives of our members. Now more than ever we need to stand together!
We will keep you informed of developments as they happen. If you have questions about anything, ask your District Union Rep.
Remain united and together we will prove ...
Solidarity Works!
UFCW 8-Golden State Members Ratify Agreements With Rite Aid
Union members in Northern, Central and Southern California overwhelmingly approve contracts providing wage increases and protecting health care and pensions
ROSEVILLE, CALIF. (Oct. 26, 2015) — Concluding two years of collective bargaining, members of UFCW 8-Golden State in Northern, Central and Southern California have voted overwhelmingly to ratify new agreements with the Rite Aid drug store chain in the northern and southern regions of the state.
UFCW 8-Golden State President Jacques Loveall praised the agreements, which cover approximately 2,500 Rite Aid Clerks and Pharmacists between the Oregon border and Kern County.
“We are very pleased with the outcome of these negotiations and are proud of the partnership we have forged with Rite Aid,” Loveall observed.
“Negotiations with Rite Aid were especially challenging and lasted two years, but our members rose to the occasion by standing strong with their Union and engaging the public in their quest for a fair contract,” he said.
The multiple agreements include significant wage increases and protect health benefits enjoyed by Rite Aid members through trust funds operated jointly by the Union and the company, President Loveall said.
The tentative contracts also preserve pension benefits and include workplace protections, among other positive features.
Rite Aid Update, October 11, 2015
We are very pleased to report, at the urging of UFCW 8-Golden State, we have been successful in persuading Rite Aid to extend the terms of our Rite Aid settlement to UFCW Local 5 members.
Historic Tentative Agreement Reached
with Rite Aid in Northern and Southern California, October 2, 2015
UFCW 8-Golden State is pleased to report we, along with UFCW Locals 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442, have reached tentative contract agreements with Rite Aid in Northern and Southern California.
For the first time, our Unions have been able to negotiate agreements in both regions of our state at the same time. The combined power of Rite Aid workers in America’s largest state was crucial in getting the company to back away from its negative proposals and support meaningful wage increases.
Members will be contacted regarding ratification information for their local and region.
The strength of the members and their faith in their Union enabled us to press through these difficult and complex state-wide negotiations for an extended period of time.
Thank you for standing with your Union and proving once again … Solidarity Works!
Rite Aid Update, September 3, 2015
Negotiations with Rite Aid resumed this week with discussions running late into Wednesday night. Additional meetings are scheduled for next week as we work towards reaching an agreement that addresses the needs of the members.
We understand this is a challenging time, however, it’s crucial to continue sending the message of strength in unity. We will keep you updated as progress is made. If you have any questions contact your District Union Representative.
Together we will prove that Solidarity Works!
Rite Aid Update - August 24, 2015
Today and tomorrow, we will be holding actions in front of numerous Rite Aid stores informing the shoppers that Rite Aid is attempting to take away your health plan and asking for their support in the event of a labor dispute.
There are more actions planned in the coming days and weeks.
This is a crucial time for us to show Rite Aid we have the support of our community and the customers are there because of YOU.
Continue working your scheduled shift and if approached by management regarding the actions, remember to stay professional and calm and simply let them know you are standing with your Union.
Stay strong and always remember … Solidarity Works!
Rite Aid Negotiations Update - August 12, 2015
Negotiations with Rite Aid are continuing in Southern California and more meeting dates are being scheduled in Northern California. Your current wages and benefits remain in effect as we work through this process.
Meanwhile, management has resorted to scare tactics designed to distract you from the real issues, which are preserving your current Union-negotiated health plan and securing meaningful wage increases.
Do not let yourself be misled by Rite Aid’s propaganda. The company’s top priority is higher profits while your Union exists only to serve your interests.
We will keep you informed of developments as they happen. If you have questions, speak with your District Union Rep.
Don’t listen to rumors and half-truths. Stay informed, stay strong and always remember:
Solidarity Works!
Rite Aid Negotiations Update - August 6, 2015
Your Union has notified Rite Aid the current contract extension will expire on Sunday, Aug. 9.
All terms of your previous contract will remain in place until then.
Meanwhile, Rite Aid is suggesting that your Union is not agreeable to bargaining dates. That is simply nonsense. At this time your Union negotiating team is in coordinated bargaining with the Southern California Local Unions. Rest assured we are ready to bargain around the clock when Rite Aid comes to the table prepared to preserve your health care and address the need for meaningful wage increases.
If you have questions, speak with your District Union Representative. We will keep you informed of developments as they happen.
In the meantime, don’t listen to rumors and half-truths, stay informed, stay strong, and always remember, Solidarity Works!
Solidarity at Rite Aid
UFCW members throughout California vote overwhelmingly
to reject company’s attempt to devastate contracts
For the first time in history, UFCW members at Rite Aid stores in Northern, Central and Southern California have voted on the company’s proposals at the same time.
Your verdict is clear and decisive.
In overwhelming numbers, you rejected management’s attempts to devastate your contract.
In addition, you and your fellow members gave UFCW Local Unions in California authority to call a strike if one becomes necessary to reach a fair agreement.
This doesn’t mean there will be a strike, but it signals the members in all parts of the state are unified and determined to maintain the wages and benefits they have fought for and earned over many decades.
Unprecedented show of force
This is an unprecedented show of unity and strength, possible because negotiations for new contracts are occurring in the North and the South at the same time.
The big issue in the North is health care. Rite Aid wants to pull out of the current Union and Employer health plan, giving management the power to raise out-of-pocket costs and cut benefits at will.
In Southern California, Rite Aid is demanding intolerable concessions in exchange for staying in the current health plan.
We can’t let them get away with this!
If Rite Aid’s executives keep making unfair demands at the bargaining table, they will have to deal with a unified and galvanized Union work force throughout the largest state in the country.
Corporate propaganda
As we continue our negotiations, Rite Aid has been trying desperately to divide our ranks with corporate propaganda filled with half-truths and outright lies. Don’t be fooled!
Remember, management’s priority is obtaining maximum profits. At UFCW 8-Golden State, our only priority is improving the lives of our members.
We will keep you informed of developments as they happen. In the meantime, stay informed, stay strong and always remember:
Solidarity Works!
ATTENTION NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RITE AID MEMBERS
July 18, 2015 - Strike vote meetings have been scheduled at locations throughout UFCW 8’s jurisdiction for Wednesday, July 22 through Friday July 24. Please check your mail for important information on strike vote meetings in your area.
If you haven’t received the notice by Monday, July 20, please contact your local Union office to get meeting dates and times in your area.
Now more than ever, your solidarity and support of your Union bargaining team is critical to protecting your wages, health benefits, pension and working conditions.
Stay strong and united, don’t listen to the rumor mill and if you have any questions contact your District Union Representative.
Together we will prove…
Solidarity Works!
