Former Schnucks pharmacy technicians are negotiating to unionize under CVS

Negotiations are underway to once again unionize the pharmacy technicians working inside Schnucks grocery stores, now as CVS Pharmacy employees. Union officials say the talks could be wrapped up in a couple of months. CVS earlier this year acquired 99 of the grocer’s 110 pharmacies. After such an acquisition, federal rules require the buyer to bargain with the union if it retains more than 50% of the existing workforce. Union officials say CVS retained the overwhelming majority of workers, and while COVID-19 restrictions have affected negotiations, a contract could be in place by January 1. Dave Cook, president of Commercial Workers Local 655, said the pharmacy technicians’ pay is the same as it was under Schnucks, and some are earning more due to added responsibilities. The union’s goals include increased wages and a better retirement plan with better health benefits. A CVS spokesperson said by email the company values its new colleagues from Schnucks and continues to bargain with their union “in good faith for a new agreement.” The Schnucks pharmacies purchased by CVS in Illinois are covered by Local 881, and the two unions are bargaining for a joint contract.