CVS reaches contract agreement with California pharmacy workers

CVS Health has reached a contract agreement with eight UFCW local unions in California. The unions had reached a tentative deal with the pharmacy giant in October following a three-day strike by workers at seven California pharmacies.

The three-year contract  includes a pay increase for all employees, with additional increases for workers with five-plus, 10-plus, and 15-plus years of service. The contract also increases the amount of money that the Woonsocket, R.I.-based retailer contributes toward the cost of health insurance for those enrolled in company-sponsored health insurance options, as well as guaranteeing health benefits for those employees who are in a union-managed health plan.

“After months of good-faith negotiations, we’ve aligned on a comprehensive benefit proposal that supports our colleagues’ physical, financial, and professional health,” a CVS spokeswoman told Supermarket News. “We’re proud of our long-standing, productive relationship with the UFCW and we look forward to continuing to work with them moving forward.”

The unions released the following statement:

“Today, by ratifying this contract, CVS workers have secured significant wage increases for all workers, more secure staffing levels, and a more affordable healthcare plan for members who were struggling with the high cost of the company’s health plan.”

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The contract goes into effect immediately for some 7,000 pharmacy workers in CVS locations across California.