Pharmacists Protest CVS and Walgreens Over Staffing and Work Conditions, Companies Report Minimal Impact

Pharmacists cite staffing shortages, demanding workloads, and job stress as reasons for walkouts that the companies say have only temporarily closed three stores and affected a few staff, while predicting no long-term consequences to operations despite the worker-led 'Pharmageddon'.

• The 'Pharmageddon' action led to a three-day walkout by pharmacists from CVS Health Corp and Walgreens Boots Alliance, protesting working conditions and demanding higher staffing levels and better pay. Despite organizers claiming around 5,000 pharmacy workers were due to participate, the companies say the impact was minimal, with only three stores temporarily closing.
• Concerns raised by pharmacists include staffing shortages, increasing workload, and job stress which are exacerbated by quotas on the number of prescriptions filled per hour and vaccines administered per day. The protest aimed to push the companies to improving these working conditions and add more staff.
• CVS claimed that no stores were closed or disrupted due to the action. The company, which employs about 30,000 pharmacists across over 9,000 locations, also stated it has spent approximately $1 billion to enhance wages for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
• The protesting pharmacists lack a union, making it challenging to estimate the exact numbers of protesters and affected stores. Organized primarily over social media platforms, the protestors demanded better pay, consistent hours for technicians and enhanced recruitment for pharmacists and technicians.
• The American Pharmacists Association supports the walkout and warns of the impact of workplace issues leading to frustration, burnout, and potential harm to patient care. Companies insist they are aware of the issues and are making investments to address key concerns, aiming to improve work environments and the recruitment process for pharmacists and technicians.

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