Pharmacy Workers at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid Stage Three-Day Nationwide Walkout Boosting Pressure on Companies for Improved Working Conditions and Recruitment

Strike organizers dub movement "Pharmageddon," rallying workers nationwide to demand better pay, secure working hours and improved conditions amid warnings of customer health risks due to mounting pressures on pharmacists.

Pharmacy workers at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid staged a nationwide walkout, dubbed 'Pharmageddon', calling for better pay, more stable working hours, and improved working conditions. The impact of the walkout remains unclear, with multiple outlets reporting minimal disruption to store operations.
The walkout, which lasted from October 30 to November 1, was the third major action by pharmacy workers in just over a month, evidencing mounting tensions between pharmacists and their corporate employers since the pandemic began.
The pharmacy chains are currently grappling with financial challenges due to settlements linked to the opioid epidemic, increased competition, and pandemic-related pressures. For instance, Rite Aid recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid declining sales and mounting debt from lawsuits.
Pharmacy staff claim the working conditions have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting significant prescription backlogs and increased demand for vaccinations. These conditions, they argue, have led to an increased risk of prescription errors due to overworked staff.
Both CVS and Walgreens have asserted that they are addressing the concerns of their employees. Steps taken include making targeted investments to address key concerns, enabling teams to schedule additional support, and strengthening hiring and training procedures.