Pharmacies Are Fighting Back: Mass Walkouts to Occur in the Coming Days

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Since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, healthcare workers across the United States have been forced into harsh, unfair working conditions. While commonly seen among nurses and doctors, society tends to overlook those who fulfill our prescription and vaccination needs—pharmacists.

In September, popular pharmacies—such as Walgreens and CVS—began to fight against being overlooked, overworked, and understaffed. With mass walkouts of pharmacists in states like Arizona, Missouri, Washington, Massachusetts, and Oregon, the cause continues to gain more and more traction.

Pharmacists at large drugstore chains tend to not be unionized, which makes going on strike a difficult feat. However, a spearheaded effort organized on both Facebook and GoFundMe has the nation gearing up for what looks to be a three-day walkout of pharmacists in all major U.S. cities.

Starting on November 1st, an expected 5,000 workers will go on strike to promote better working conditions for pharmacy staff. Due to this, 25 store closures have already been confirmed.

Backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and The American Pharmacists Association (APhA), strikers are prepared for any challenges they may face during the upcoming days.

Dave Young, Vice President of Organizing for UFCW, told CNN that they are in constant communication with striking pharmacists.

“Where workers struggle, we stand ready to assist,” he said.

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At the completion of the three-day walkout, there will be a planned demonstration outside of Walgreens’ headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois.  

Using flu season to their advantage, organizers hope to inspire advocates of pharmacy workers and pharmacy safety to join their cause.

The issue of understaffed and overworked healthcare professionals should have been solved before the height of Coronavirus. Continuing to bankroll popular drugstore chains while their workers attend to 14-hour shifts with no breaks further stresses the field.

To support drugstore pharmacists during their fight for fair working conditions, patients need to use their voices to raise awareness for the cause.

Pharmacies should be a safe space for both medical professionals and their patients, but that will only happen with real change from the companies.