As Rite Aid files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, UFCW 8-Golden State remains committed to ensuring members’ rights are protected throughout the process.
“We are working with the UFCW International Union and our legal team to identify the impact and financial responsibilities Rite Aid has with their bankruptcy filing,” said Jacques Loveall, UFCW 8-Golden State President.
Rite Aid has also notified us they have no plans to ask for modifications to current collective bargaining agreements through the Chapter 11 process.
In addition, our most recent dates for bargaining a new Northern California agreement were again delayed by company representatives. Additional dates to meet with Rite Aid have been secured.
UFCW 8 has fought the company’s fraudulent implementation of the prior Northern California contract through the NLRB and has won every appeal by Rite Aid. The case was last heard in mid-September and remains with the NLRB in Washington, D.C., awaiting their decision.
Additional unfair labor practice charges may be filed against the company, if necessary. We are also developing plans to appeal directly to Rite Aid’s customers and the consumers of their prescription services to increase public awareness of the company’s poor treatment of their workers. All actions against the employer remain on the table.
Across the country, thousands of workers have spent decades dedicating their lives to building the company. Sadly, our members have watched former CEOs make poor managerial decisions, like spending $700m on rebranding efforts and losing hundreds of millions in prescription drug benefit clients.
“Working people shouldn’t be left holding the bag for the company’s failures. Dedicated, hard-working employees need the court’s help to protect them, and your Union is here to pursue justice on your behalf,” said President Loveall.
We will continue to keep members informed as more information becomes available. We ask our members to remain united and contact their Union Representative with any questions.
Solidarity Works!