Osco Deliberately Misleads Union Bargaining Committee during COVID-19 Vaccination Bargaining
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Business Agent Sean McGough
Phone: (847) 696-7500
E-mail: Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org
01-12-21 Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, met on Thursday, January 7th to bargain over administration of the COVID-19 vaccines and met again on Friday, January 8th to resume contract bargaining in a federally mediated session. During both meetings last week, Osco management became indignant over serious questions regarding the company’s plan to manage the novel coronavirus vaccinations and, perhaps even worse, were downright flippant when asked to address the crucial issues that the Union bargaining committee has consistently expressed throughout contract negotiations.
With phase 1a of the national vaccination effort underway and 1b, which includes roughly 250,000,000 Americans on the horizon, bargaining on Thursday, January 7th was dedicated solely to the COVID-19 vaccines. The Union bargaining committee opened the meeting by clearly articulating the importance of each proposal to Osco and how each one directly relates to patient and pharmacists’ safety, staffing, workflow efficiencies, proper recognition, and fairness. The Union bargaining committee showed extreme concern about appropriate staffing levels as pharmacists have reported an unprecedented increase in calls inquiring about the vaccination. However, almost every Union proposal, including the staffing proposal, was met by Osco with a ‘hard no’ or a ‘we don’t know.’ When questioned further on their staffing plan, Osco ultimately admitted that no staffing formula exists, and they will provide staffing as they see fit and adjust accordingly. “This is like watching a train wreck in slow motion,” Said John Coli, Jr., Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “Osco is set to play a major role in the vaccination effort in the Chicagoland area and their plan is to essentially wing it. I worry for the safety not only of our frontline, essential Teamster pharmacists but also for our community as they rely on companies like Osco for the vaccine.”
Throughout the day, Osco was insistent that they were not withholding any information and maintained they were bargaining in good faith. However, as Osco claimed transparency at the table, the pharmacists on the Union bargaining committee received an email from Osco with the subject line ‘Technician Immunization Administration Training,’ which caused the committee to confront management at the table. The Union inquired why Osco did not disclose that it began to implement technician training while discussing staffing issues. At first, the Osco bargaining committee claimed they did not know the email was sent out but pivoted quickly and insisted that with recent changes to Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act, technicians are now legally allowed to administer vaccines. Instead of acknowledging they made a mistake by not discussing their plans with the Union first, they doubled down on defending their actions by stating they had previously proposed this change to the Union last month.
“I don’t think I have ever been more disappointed in Osco than I am today,” said John Coli, Jr. “Osco’s attempt to conceal and then steamroll their true plan shows a complete lack of respect to the collective bargaining process and utter disregard for their Teamster pharmacists. How can we build a relationship based on trust when every step of the way Osco has shown that they are untrustworthy? Whether it’s because they refuse to provide information on mis-filled prescription discipline or because of this underhanded plan with the technicians, they make it impossible to believe them. Our pharmacists are overworked and may welcome the additional support, but Osco has a duty to bargain with the Union before unilaterally implementing any COVID-19 vaccination policies or procedures. Teamsters Local 727 must ensure that our pharmacists are protected.”
Similarly, contract bargaining the following day was not particularly productive due to Osco’s refusal to discuss the issues that truly matter to pharmacists. Once again, The Union bargaining committee started off the day by introducing a comprehensive proposal to forgo the new hire rate in exchange for the Union withdrawing its proposals surrounding non-economic protections for current pharmacists. Once again, Osco flat out rejected the Union’s proposals. Instead, Osco proposed an increase to the part-time (20 or more hours per week) lump sums to $350 in year 3 and an increase to the part-time (less than 20 hours per week) lump sums to $375 in year 2. The Union bargaining committee responded in kind. The day concluded with Osco once again making minimal movement on part-time (less than 20 hours per week) lumps sums to $350 upon ratification.
Members with questions should reach out to Local 727 Business Representative Sean McGough at (847) 696-7500 or Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Osco Continues Down Same Tired Road During October 15 Bargaining Session
10.22.20 - Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, met on Thursday, October 15th and resumed bargaining in a federally mediated session. Minimal movement was made around wages and scheduling. Osco continued down the same tired road by packaging proposals with a drastically reduced new hire rate, expanding 12-hour shift stores to another 50 stores, and increasing health care contribution costs as the coronavirus pandemic hits its second wave. Adding insult to injury, Osco continues to ask pharmacists to make major concessions while the Company experiences soaring profits. The Union bargaining committee stood firm with its proposals which are based on security, fairness, and safety.
The Union bargaining committee started off the day by reintroducing a comprehensive proposal to forgo the new hire rate in exchange for the Union withdrawing its proposals surrounding non-economic protections for current pharmacists. Once again, Osco flat out rejected the Union’s proposals. Osco’s first and only proposal of the day did not come close to addressing the major concerns of the Union bargaining committee. In typical fashion, Osco packaged a proposal with meager increases to the lump sums upon ratification. The Company’s package also included language regarding scheduling for undistributed pharmacists. The proposal would allow for floater pharmacists to make 7 requests per year for an off day during the week, not to exceed 5 days approved. This language was derived from a proposal the Union had previously submitted and would codify a practice the company claims it is doing already. These “concessions” were packaged with the same take backs the Union has fended off for more than a dozen sessions: 12-hour store expansion, health care increases, and a lower new hire rate.
The Union agreed again to the lump sum increases for full time pharmacists upon ratification and agreed to the slight modifications to the floater pharmacists scheduling language. The Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee resubmitted the mutual withdrawal package along with modifications to Articles 3.1 which safeguards against a 12-hour shift expansion. The session ended with the ball in Osco’s court.
At a caucus during negotiations, the Union submitted an information request to Osco regarding COVID-19 exposure at a union store pharmacy. Concerned for the safety of pharmacists and the public, the Union demanded, in detail, what remedial actions the Company took to mitigate exposure, sanitize the pharmacy, protect pharmacists, and utilize contact tracing beyond the pharmacy. As the coronavirus pandemic has killed over 200,000 people in the United States and Teamsters Local 727 pharmacists are on the frontline, the Union requested that the Company produce the information within 7 days. Due to the gravity of the situation, this is not an unreasonable deadline. Instead of agreeing to meet the deadline, Osco informed the Union that it may not have the information on time. At the time of publishing this story, the Union has yet to receive any item of the information request.
“Osco’s response to the Union’s information request is callous,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “This is critical information, and the Company should have it readily available at their fingertips. What Osco management does to protect their frontline, essential pharmacists during this worldwide health pandemic could be the difference between life and death. Whether it’s at the bargaining table, in the pharmacies, or with simple requests for information, there is no transparency. It’s one thing to withhold information at the bargaining table because it makes them feel big, it’s another not to provide information about health and safety measures. It’s not only stupid, it’s potentially life-threatening. Nevertheless, we will continue on negotiating in good faith, eagerly awaiting Osco to join us.”
Under federal law, Osco must maintain the status quo while the parties continue negotiations for a new CBA. The Company is prohibited by federal law from increasing health insurance premiums, expanding 12-hour shifts, introducing a two-tier wage system, or making any other change to an employee’s terms or conditions of employment during negotiations.
Members with questions should reach out to Local 727 Business Representative Sean McGough at (847) 696-7500 or Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Osco Continues Concessionary and Regressive Bargaining, Pushes Profits over Safety While Historic Sales Skyrocket
08.31.20 - Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, met on Friday, August 28th and resumed bargaining in a federally mediated session. The Union bargaining committee made a bold attempt to advance negotiations by proposing a mutual withdrawal package of Osco's divisive proposals while also moving closer on outstanding economic issues. Osco previously rejected the Union’s non-economic proposals which would value and protect current pharmacists from the dangers of a new hire rate. Osco continues to push for a new hire rate despite record increases in revenue.
The Union bargaining committee started off the day by introducing a comprehensive proposal to forgo the new hire rate in exchange for the Union withdrawing its proposals surrounding non-economic protections for current pharmacists. Osco flat out rejected the Union’s proposals. “If Osco is not going to provide reasonable contractual protections around new hires then the obvious solution is no new hire rate,” said John Coli Jr, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727.
As previously communicated to the membership, Albertsons is reaping unprecedented revenue due to COVID 19. Albertsons continues to be a huge financial beneficiary of the COVID 19 pandemic. According to a recent article in ‘Mass Market Retailers’, “Albertsons’ net income for the first quarter…skyrocketed 1,096% to $586.2 million from $49 million in the prior quarter. The supermarketer’s sales and other revenue increased 21.4% to 22.8 billion compared to 18.7 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2019.”
Despite record sales, Osco made a regressive proposal on the new hire rate by reducing the new hire wages to $58.00 per hour, down, from $59.00 as proposed by Osco at the last bargaining session. “Osco continues to drag out negotiations for a new hire rate they do not need,” said John Coli Jr. “Osco references their ’competitors’ as justification for this proposal, but at the end of the day their bottom line tells a very different story,” added Coli. The parties were able to agree on a full-time pharmacist lump sum payment at ratification of $2,000.00. Lump sum payments for part-time employees remains outstanding as do other wage proposals. Osco continued to push for an increase in the share pharmacists pay of healthcare premiums and made minimal movement reducing the share of pharmacists’ costs to a 4% increase over the term of the agreement.
Osco ended bargaining in bad faith when it made no movement on its final proposal of the day. “Osco tries to frustrate the membership with this bogus proposal, but it will not work. We will remain united and our resolve to get a fair contract for the members will not falter. Since the Parties are not at impasse, Osco needs a contract to implement a new hire rate. We can wait for them to come to the table with reasonable proposals,” stated John Coli Jr.
Under federal law, Osco must maintain the status quo while the Parties continue negotiations for a new CBA. The Company is prohibited by federal law from increasing health insurance premiums, expanding 12-hour shifts, introducing a two-tier wage system, or making any other change to an employee’s terms or conditions of employment during negotiations.
The Union will update the membership when future negotiations dates are scheduled.
Members with questions should reach out to Local 727 Business Representative Sean McGough at (847) 696-7500 or Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Osco Made Little Movement in Negotiations While Albertsons Net Income Skyrockets Nearly 1,100% in the First Quarter
08.26.20 - Bargaining resumed on July 22 between Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons. The Union’s bargaining committee remained steadfast throughout the day in its positions to: keep health care costs down, limit the Company’s ability to increase the number of stores with 12-hour shifts, and provide increased job protections for all current pharmacists. In stark contrast to the Union’s proposals, which also included various transparency measures in the scheduling and bidding procedures (such as requiring two weeks’ notice for posting of open positions, including undistributed pharmacist positions) and movement on lump sum payments for pharmacists, Osco’s committee made insufficient movement.
Osco representatives outright denied the Union’s proposals and made no counter proposals outside of a slight increase to previous proposals regarding lump sum payments. Osco’s counter gives all full-time pharmacist a $1,000.00 lump sum payment upon ratification, $1,000.00 on May 2, 2021, and $1,000.00 on May 1, 2022. Osco also offered lump sum payments for part-time pharmacists averaging 20 or more hours per week of $500.00 each year; for part-time pharmacists working less than 20 hours per week, Osco offered $275.00, $300.00, and $375.00 each year. Osco made no changes to its earlier proposal to increase the pharmacists’ share of healthcare premiums by 4.5% over the term of the contract unless management rates are lower. The Company also proposed a “new hire” wage rate of $59.00 per hour, increasing their former proposal by only one dollar.
Although the Company continues to make these insulting economic proposals and refuses to address pharmacists’ concerns over working conditions, its parent company Albertsons’ continues to be a huge financial beneficiary of the COVID 19 pandemic. According to a recent article in ‘Mass Market Retailers’, “Albertsons net income for the first quarter…skyrocketed 1,096% to $586.2 million from $49 million in the prior quarter. The supermarketer’s sales and other revenue increased 21.4% to 22.8 billion compared to 18.7 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2019.” The article also states that “Vivek Sankaran, President and Chief Executive Officer, said the first-quarter financial performance was made possible by employees’ “hard work and dedication” during a pandemic.”
“If Albertsons is truly inspired by their employees, they would come to table with some of their record setting COVID 19 sales revenue and settle this contract,” said John Coli, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “It’s ridiculous that Osco’s bargaining committee continues to try and separate themselves from Albertsons’ financial success. The pharmacy operates under the Albertsons umbrella and adds to the financial strength of the company. It’s time for Osco to get real and recognize the value and contributions of Osco pharmacists.”
Osco also continues to provide partial information regarding its proposals to pharmacists. The information below provides more detail and a full perspective on Osco’s claims.
ISSUE: NEW HIRE RATES
Osco’s Claim: Osco claims that its new hire rates will not be used as a factor in pharmacist selection or transfer.
UNION RESPONSE: Osco continuously attempts to manipulate the current bid procedure. The Union has fought numerous attempts by Osco to place less senior, and virtually new, employees into open store positions. Osco repeatedly states ridiculous justifications for its store placement selections and offers an insufficient amount of time for pharmacists to submit a bid. Adding an economic incentive at the store level to place new hires into staff positions will only further exacerbate these issues. In response to Osco’s proposal for new hires, the Union has proposed modest increases to new hire rates (approximately an average of 3% per year over a 5-year term). The Union has also proposed specific language to protect pharmacists from displacement by the new hires (something Osco should easily agree to if it truly has no desire to use the new hire rate in selection).
The Union’s proposals include:
2 weeks’ notice for any bid;
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Prevents new hires from bidding on staff pharmacist positions during the term of the agreement;
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Only allow new hires to be selected for a head pharmacist position if no current employee bids;
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Prevents new hires from eliminating regularly scheduled part-time employees’ hours; and
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Provides notice to all employees of new floating pharmacist positions.
ISSUE: 12-HOUR STORES
Osco’s Claim: Osco claims that it does not seek to expand 12-hour shifts beyond what already exists in the CBA.
UNION RESPONSE: Osco has taken the absurd position that the CBA allows them to expand 12-hour shifts to an additional 50 stores. While the Union strongly disagrees with this interpretation and practices under the CBA, the Union would rather resolve this issue at the bargaining table rather than arbitration.
ISSUE: HEALTH INSURANCE
Osco’s Claim: Osco claims it is only seeking nominal increases to health insurance.
UNION RESPONSE: Osco is seeking a 4.5% increase to the pharmacists’ share of health insurance premiums. Osco’s proposed increase is in addition to any increase in the premium for health insurance. Osco pharmacists already pay one of the highest rates for health insurance in the Company. For example, warehouse workers pay $42.50 per week for family coverage under the same HRA Plan compared to Osco’s proposal to pay $117.27 per week for the same coverage.
ISSUE: WAGES
Osco’s Claim: Osco claims it pays better wages than Walgreens.
UNION RESPONSE: While Osco’s wages are higher than Walgreens, the Walgreens’ contract is expired. Also, Jewel-Osco and Walgreens operate in different markets. Additionally, pharmacists have been
essential to operations during the coronavirus pandemic and Albertson’s has seen record sales during the pandemic. Once a Coronavirus vaccine becomes widely available Osco will likely see even greater
increases in revenue, while pharmacists will see greater demands placed on their daily job duties.
The parties will meet on Friday, August 28 to resume bargaining in a federally mediated session. The Union bargaining committee remains focused and committed to bargain in good faith for a fair contract.
Members with questions should reach out to Local 727 Business Representative Sean McGough at (847) 696-7500 or Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Sneeze Guards To Be Installed at Osco Pharmacies Covered By 727 Contract
03.21.20 - After hearing stories of unsafe work conditions from pharmacists represented by 727, Teamsters Local 727 promptly demanded that Osco do more to protect its frontline pharmacists represented by 727. The Union is pleased to report that Osco has reported that it has begun installing plexiglass sneeze guards in pharmacies. The Union will continue to keep members updated. Members with questions should contact Sean McGough at (847) 696-7500.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Teamsters Local 727 Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Osco
03.04.20 - Over the past week, pharmacists represented by Teamsters Local 727 and technicians at Jewel-Osco have worn buttons which read “I STAND WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL 727 PHARMACISTS!” Osco bargaining unit members stood in solidarity to remind management that they demand a fair contract after months of little to no movement from the Company. In response, a member of Osco management forced a pharmacist to remove his button in violation of the employee’s rights under the National Labor Relations Act. After hearing of this unlawful action by Osco, the Union immediately filed an unfair labor practice charge against Osco.
Teamsters Local 727 Pens Letter to NYT Editor Reacting to Paper’s Recent Exposé on Missing Medication Error Complaints
03.04.20 - Teamsters Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer John Coli, Jr. submitted the following letter to the New York Times in response to the newspaper’s February 21 article exposing major retail pharmacies’ questionable behavior surrounding medication errors:
“The article on medication errors at pharmacies deeply resonated with Teamsters Local 727’s pharmacist members. 500 of these pharmacists, who are employed by Osco Drug, a subsidiary of Albertsons Companies, have been working without a contract for nearly a year due to the company’s dismissal of similar safety concerns..."
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Reforms to IL Pharmacy Practice Act
IL Pharmaceutical Task Force Continues, Holds First Meeting of 2020
02.24.20 - This past December, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker signed an amended Pharmacy Practice Act (PPA) into law. Among the changes made to the PPA were many initiatives Teamsters Local 727 fought hard to secure, which the Union hopes will improve workplace standards and protections for Local 727-represented pharmacists. In order to ensure both CVS and Osco pharmacists are aware of these reforms, Local 727 has compiled a summary highlighting some of the most important changes made to the PPA.
Osco Pharmacists Sound their Support for the Union’s Contract Proposals at Sunday Meeting
02.10.20 - Yesterday, Osco pharmacists attended an informational meeting at the Teamsters Local 727 meeting hall in Park Ridge. After the Union bargaining committee updated members on the progress of contract negotiations, pharmacists had an opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts.
New York Times Article Highlights Retail Pharmacists’ Struggles, Pressing Need for Effective & Enforceable State Standards
02.03.20 - A recent New York Times report shines a light on the dangers of overworking pharmacists:
“In letters to state regulatory boards and in interviews with The New York Times, many pharmacists at companies like CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens described understaffed and chaotic workplaces where they said it had become difficult to perform their jobs safely, putting the public at risk of medication errors..."
Local 727 Responds to Osco’s Lies and Misrepresentations, Union to File Additional ULPs
01.28.20 - It has come to the Union’s attention that Osco management has sent a bargaining update to pharmacists containing misleading and false information. Teamsters Local 727 would like to take this opportunity to correct the Company’s misrepresentations and provide members with the facts.
Osco Fails to Reciprocate Union’s Olive Branch Prompting Early End to Final Scheduled Day of Mediation
01.23.20 - Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, met today, January 23, for the parties’ final scheduled mediation session. Though the Union bargaining committee extended an olive branch during the parties’ bargaining session, Osco representatives proceeded to make little significant movement.
Local 727 Files ULP Charge Against Osco, Presses for Release of Information on Misfills; Osco Has Yet to Present a Contract Worth Ratifying
01.22.20 - Representatives of Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, again rejected all of Teamsters Local 727’s good faith attempts to reach an agreement during the parties’ latest mediation session today, January 22.
Osco Continues to Drag Out Negotiations, Offers Minimal Movement on Wages, Ignores Union’s Concerns Over Health Care Costs, New Hire Wages
01.14.20 - During a full day of mediation with Teamsters Local 727 yesterday, January 13, representatives of Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, offered little to no movement on the Company’s outstanding contract proposals.
Osco’s Attempted Bait-and-Switch on 12-Hour Days Hinders Progress During Day Two of Mediation
01.10.20 - The Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee and representatives of Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, continued federal mediation on Monday, January 6, 2020. Despite the Union’s repeated good faith efforts to reach an agreement, Osco management continued to dismiss the concerns of its hardworking employees and make little movement on its outstanding proposals.
Local 727 Bargaining Committee Stands Firm During First Mediation Session with Osco
12.19.19 - Following eight months of negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement and a resounding rejection of the Company’s first contract offer, Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, began federal mediation yesterday, Wednesday, December 18.
Meet Your New Business Agent!
12.12.19 - Teamsters Local 727 has welcomed a new business agent to our Union Family! Sean McGough joined our Union this past August and will be the new business agent representing Osco pharmacists moving forward.
Osco Cancels Today’s Bargaining Session
12.10.19 - With little notice, representatives of Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, cancelled today’s negotiations with Teamsters Local 727. The parties’ meeting today was to be the first bargaining session between Osco and Local 727 since pharmacists overwhelmingly voted to reject the Company’s contract offer in October and the first meeting attended by a federal mediator.
Local 727 Files Grievance Over Osco’s Alleged Failure to Schedule Vacation by Seniority in Violation of CBA
11.22.19 - Teamsters Local 727 recently filed a grievance against Osco after an unusually high number of members reported to the Union that their vacation requests were denied. The Union’s grievance alleges that Osco has violated the terms of the collective bargaining agreement by failing to approve vacation requests by seniority within the cluster, as is stipulated in Article 5.4 of the contract.
Proposed Amendments to IL Pharmacy Practice Act Do Not Align with Task Force Recommendations, Local 727 Maintains Further Reform Necessary
10.31.19 - Earlier this month, the Illinois Pharmaceutical Task Force submitted its final report and recommendations for modifying the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act (PPA) to the state legislature. Illinois State Representative Michael Zalewski last week appears to have used the Task Force’s recommendations to draft and submit an official proposal for amending the PPA to the Illinois House of Representatives. While Zalewski’s proposed amendments largely align with the report’s recommendations, there appear to be areas where the state representative’s amendments depart from the Task Force’s carefully chosen and agreed upon language.
Osco Pharmacists Overwhelmingly Reject Company’s Contract Offer
10.18.19 - Over 93% of Osco pharmacists have voted to reject the Company’s recent five-year contract offer. Today at 1 p.m. in the Teamsters Local 727 offices in Park Ridge, several Osco pharmacists witnessed the counting of the 218 received ballots. When all ballots were counted, the final tally was 203-15 against contract.
Contract Ballots Mailed, Management’s Tuesday Email Omits Key Facts, & Additional Updates from Local 727
10.09.19 - This past Friday, October 4, Teamsters Local 727 mailed ballot packets to all Osco pharmacists. Included in the packet is Osco’s five-year contract offer, a summary sheet, ballot, and stamped return envelope. If you have not received your ballot by Friday, October 11, contact Local 727 Lead Business Representative Zach Frankenbach IMMEDIATELY at Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or (847) 696-7500.
Osco Offers Abysmal Economic Package Despite Claims that Company Can Afford to Pay More, Refuses to Budge on Key Issues—Contract Vote to be Held
09.26.19 - For nearly a month, Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, has made negligible movement on its initial comprehensive wage proposal, which contained a wage freeze, two-tier wage system, and proposal to raise pharmacists’ health care costs. When asked directly by the Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee during the parties’ bargaining session on Monday, September 23, if the Company was unable to afford the Union’s own proposed annual wage raises, Osco denied affordability was an issue and stated that the Company’s top concern was “remaining competitive.”
Osco Offers No Movement on 5-Year Wage Freeze, 2-Tier Wage System, or Floater Schedules in Latest Bargaining Session
09.11.19 - On Monday, September 9, the Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee and representatives of Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, reconvened negotiations. Monday’s bargaining session was the first meeting between the Union and Osco since the parties’ extension agreement expired last week. Though dedicated Osco pharmacists are now working without a contract, Company representatives showed little interest in resolving the many critical issues which the Union’s outstanding proposals have sought to address.
Osco Unwilling to Reward Head Pharmacists with Union-Proposed Personal Days, Flatly Rejects Reasonable Scheduling of Floaters, Presses for 5-Year Wage Freeze
08.28.19 - Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement continued between Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, on Monday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 21. While the Union bargaining committee continued to put forward reasonable contract proposals aimed at resolving many of the pressing issues that impact pharmacists every day, the Company’s proposals seemed only geared towards dividing the bargaining unit and ensuring Osco management will not be required to put forth more than the bare minimum amount of money and effort. These goals appeared most evident as the parties’ bargained over benefits for Head Pharmacists and the scheduling of Floaters.
Local 727 Pharmacists Address Illinois Pharmacy Task Force, Urge Members to Support 8-Hour Workday Limit in the Interest of Public Safety
08.16.19 - Teamsters Local 727 pharmacists and representatives attended the final meeting of the Illinois Pharmaceutical Task Force this past Tuesday to reemphasize the importance of an 8-hour limit on the workdays of Illinois pharmacists’ working in the retail setting. While the Task Force initially denied pharmacists the chance to speak during its June meeting, after two months of pressure from Local 727 the Task Force Chairman relented and specifically carved out time during its August meeting for pharmacists to share their views. Local 727 members seized this opportunity to urge Task Force members to revote their previous motion and instead vote to recommend pharmacists’ workdays be capped at 8 hours.
Osco Proposes Wage and Benefit Cuts in First Economic Proposal
08.15.19 - Today, representatives of Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, opened the day’s contract negotiations with Teamsters Local 727 by describing the Company and pharmacists as “partners” and emphasizing the importance of Osco continuing to progress in the future. These sentiments were not present, however, in the first wage proposal Osco presented to the Union this afternoon.
Local 727’s Calls for a Revote on 12-Hour Day Succeed, IL Pharmacy Task Force to Address Issue at August 13 Meeting
08.12.19 - For two months, Teamsters Local 727 has demanded the Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force revote its motion recommending a pharmacist’s workday be capped at 12 hours. The Union’s persistence was rewarded last week when it was informed that the Task Force will motion for a revote at its meeting tomorrow, August 13.
Osco Continues to Press for the Removal of Head Pharmacists from 727 Bargaining Unit, Union Stands its Ground
08.06.19 - Negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement covering Osco pharmacists continued on June 22, June 29, and August 1 between the Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee and representatives of Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons.
As Deadline for IL Pharmaceutical Task Force Recommendations Approaches, Local 727 Continues to Demand a Revote on 12-Hour Workday
07.26.19 - On Tuesday, July 9, members of the Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force once again discussed and voted to approve a number of recommendations for reforming the Pharmacy Practice Act (PPA). To Teamsters Local 727’s dissatisfaction, the Task Force did not, however, adequately address the Union’s demand that a new vote be held to determine whether the Task Force should recommend pharmacists’ workdays be capped at 8 or 12 hours.
Board Refuses Local 727 Members the Opportunity to Speak at IL Task Force Meeting in Alleged Violation of Open Meetings Act
07.08.19 - During the last meeting of the Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force on Wednesday, June 19, Task Force members voted to approve several recommendations for reforming the Pharmacy Practice Act (PPA). Of the motions approved, nearly all recommended reforms that Local 727 representatives and members had advocated for during past Task Force meetings.
Osco’s Intractability Hampers Progress During Negotiations
07.01.19 - Teamsters Local 727 met with Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, on Tuesday, June 18 and Friday, June 28 to continue negotiations for a new successor collective bargaining agreement covering all Osco pharmacists. Despite the Union’s good faith efforts to engage Osco representatives in meaningful and productive conversations, the Company’s continued refusal to make any real movement on its outstanding proposals stymied negotiations.
IL Pharmacy Task Force to Vote on Mandatory Rest Breaks and 8-Hour Workday at June 19 Meeting
06.14.19 - The Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force is scheduled to vote on a number of recommendations for reforming the Pharmacy Practice Act (PPA) at its next meeting on Wednesday, June 19. Representatives and members of Teamsters Local 727 will once again be attending the monthly meeting in order to share firsthand accounts of the daily struggles experienced by Chicagoland pharmacists and to urge the Task Force to vote in favor of motions that will affect true, positive change.
Osco Flouts Union’s Good Faith Efforts, Insists on Slashing Benefits at Latest Bargaining Session
06.04.19 - The Teamsters Local 727 bargaining committee and Osco Drug, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons, last met to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement covering Osco pharmacists on Tuesday, May 21. While the Union arrived prepared and willing to bargain in good faith over the many pressing workplace issues that currently affect Osco pharmacists, management appeared indifferent to the concerns of their employees and seemed unwilling to make any significant movement on their initial contract proposals.
Local 727 Pushes Cap on Pharmacist Work Day and Mandated Employer Compliance with Rest Break Standards at Latest IL Pharmacy Task Force Meeting
05.21.19 - Teamsters Local 727 once again took a stand last Tuesday to demand true and effective pharmacy reform during the latest meeting of the Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force.
Osco Proposes Longer Hours, Lower Pay, and Fewer Union Jobs in Outrageous Opening Proposal
04.29.19 - Teamsters Local 727 and representatives from Osco Drug, Inc. reconvened negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement covering all pharmacists this past Tuesday, April 23. The parties began negotiations by finalizing a 30-day extension agreement, which includes retroactivity for wage raises back to May 4, the date of expiration of the current contract.
Local 727 Opens Osco CBA Negotiations with Comprehensive Contract Proposal
04.15.19 - Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug, Inc. opened negotiations earlier this month for a new collective bargaining agreement covering all Osco pharmacists. During the parties’ first bargaining session on Wednesday, April 3, the Local 727 bargaining committee kicked off negotiations by presenting Osco representatives with a comprehensive contract proposal.
Teamsters Take a Stand Outside and Inside the Most Recent IL Pharmacy Task Force Meeting
03.21.19 - Teamsters Local 727 stepped up efforts last week to inform the public of unsafe working conditions and subsequent public safety concerns in Chicagoland pharmacies. While the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy and the Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force held their respective monthly meetings inside the Thompson Center, Local 727 pharmacists and representatives distributed flyers notifying the public of issues facing CVS pharmacists.
Union Challenges Violation of Osco Settlement Agreement
03.07.19 - Late last year, Teamsters Local 727 filed a grievance against Osco after learning pharmacy students were being misclassified and paid by Osco as technicians despite the student’s enrollment in pharmacy school. In response to the Union’s willingness to pursue the matter through arbitration, Osco agreed that, “affected Employees shall become members of the Teamsters Local 727 Bargaining Unit on the date the Company is notified in writing by the Union or employee and provided a copy of the pharmacy student’s transcript that the Affected Employee is a Pharmacy student enrolled in his or her 3rd year of pharmacy school or beyond.”
Local 727 Pharmacist Speaks at IL Pharmacy Task Force Meeting, Experiences Move Committee Members
02.08.19 - The Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force is due to vote on recommendations for reforming the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act by September 1st of this year. Teamsters Local 727 continues to attend Task Force meetings and push for the recommendation of new work standards that guarantee pharmacists the ability to safely perform their professional responsibilities.
Local 727 Makes Waves at Latest Meeting of IL Pharmacy Task Force
01.04.19 - Teamsters Local 727 continued the fight for pharmacy reform at the most recent meeting of the Illinois Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, where the issue of distracting superfluous duties assigned to pharmacists was the latest matter to be considered.
Osco Misclassification of Pharmacy Students to be Remedied Thanks to Union Settlement
12.05.18 - Teamsters Local 727 filed a grievance earlier this year when the Union was informed by a pharmacist that one of the pharmacy students working in the store was being misclassified and paid by Osco as a technician despite the student’s enrollment in pharmacy school.
Osco Finally Acknowledges Rest Break Problems
10.16.18 - Teamsters Local 727 met with Osco management on Tuesday, October 9th, to continue discussions on the effectiveness of the new rest break procedures demanded by the Union. This is the second meeting between the parties since Local 727 demanded new procedures be implemented in an attempt to guarantee pharmacists are able to take uninterrupted rest breaks. When the Union previously met with Osco in August, the Company questioned the legitimacy of pharmacists’ survey responses.
Local 727 Effects Change at IL Pharmacy Task Force Hearing
10.05.18 - Teamsters Local 727 remains at the forefront of the fight for pharmacy reform in Illinois. As the representative for hundreds of Osco and CVS pharmacists, Local 727 has witnessed firsthand the dangers understaffing pharmacies and overworking pharmacists can pose to both pharmacists and to the public at large. This knowledge has driven the Union to press legislators to enact new pharmacy work standards which led to the successful creation of the Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force.
Osco Questions Authenticity of Union Survey Results,Claim Pharmacists Have No Issue Taking Rest Breaks
09.11.18 - On August 21st, Teamsters Local 727 and Osco management met to discuss the effectiveness of the new rest break scheduling procedures demanded by the Union. Despite Osco’s assurances that issues reported by pharmacists via Local 727 would be addressed prior to the parties’ meeting, Osco did not appear to have any solutions and instead questioned the authenticity of the issues pharmacists presented to the Union.
Union Settles Multiple Grievances Against Osco
08.13.18 - Teamsters Local 727 has settled over the past several months multiple outstanding grievances against Osco that were pending arbitration.
Union Successful in Getting Osco to Honor Seniority
08.02.18 - Teamsters Local 727 and Osco agreed to settle a grievance, which was pending arbitration, concerning the allocation of part-time hours when pharmacy hours are reduced. The underlying grievance arose when Local 727 was informed that, following a reduction in pharmacy hours, Osco was not assigning the remaining part-time hours in seniority order.
REMINDER: 24-Hour Store Pharmacists Can Use Seniority to Obtain Regular Positions
07.27.18 - Teamsters Local 727 has been informed that effective July 30, 2018, Osco will discontinue 24-hour pharmacy operations in Store #3345 and Store #3407. In light of this change, the Union would like to remind pharmacists of your rights under the collective bargaining agreement.
Know Your Rights: The Company Cannot Retaliate Against Pharmacists for Filing Grievances or Speaking to the Union About Issues they are Having
07.18.18 - It has been brought to the Union’s attention that pharmacists fear retaliation from Osco when speaking up about issues they are facing in the stores. In light of such information, Local 727 would like to take this opportunity to emphasize to members the protections extended to them by the National Labor Relations Act.
Local 727 Files ULP Against Osco in Defense of a Member
04.20.18 - Teamsters Local 727 filed an unfair labor practice charge with Region 13 of the National Labor Relations Board against Osco alleging the Company violated the National Labor Relations Act by retaliating against a pharmacist for exercising their rights under the CBA.
Union’s Efforts Result in New Rest Break Procedures for Osco Pharmacists
02.20.18 - Last year, Osco unilaterally implemented a biometric system without bargaining with the Union first. This change prevented pharmacists from taking uninterrupted breaks. Teamsters Local 727 brought this issue to Osco’s attention and subsequently filed a grievance against Osco.
Improved Pharmacy Work Standards Championed by Local 727 Up for Possible Vote in Chicago City Council
10.26.17 - Teamsters Local 727’s efforts at reforming pharmacist work standards are now closer to becoming reality in Chicago.
The Strength and Persistence of Local 727 Results in Creation of a Bypass to Osco’s Biometric System
10.19.17 - Earlier this year, Teamsters Local 727 filed a grievance against Osco for violating the collective bargaining agreement by its unilateral implementation of a biometric system which prevented pharmacists from taking uninterrupted breaks. Osco and Local 727 were unable to resolve the issue during the grievance process. The Union then submitted the grievance to arbitration.
Know Your Rights Concerning Osco’s Recent Pharmacy Store Hour Changes
09.29.17 - It is the Union’s understanding that Osco informed pharmacists today that Osco will be changing the operating hours of select pharmacies in the Chicago area. According to Osco, the changes will go into effect Sunday, October 15, 2017, and will affect the following 36 Osco pharmacy locations: Store #3455, 3519, 3426, 2501, 3241, 3059, 3484, 3446, 3422, 3060, 3459, 3310, 3488, 3296, 3474, 3443, 3445, 3344, 3098, 3316, 3473, 3228, 3338, 3451, 3478, 3288, 3428, 3160, 3220, 3165, 3415, 3262, 3185, 3056, 3456, 3470.
OscoTeamsters.com is Key Portal for Pharmacist Information
09.12.17 - Over the past several years, pharmacists have requested more frequent communication from Teamsters Local 727. Thanks to helpful feedback provided by the pharmacists, Local 727 has created and dedicated a website unique to Osco pharmacists.
Reminder to Osco Pharmacists Re: Holiday Pay and Scheduling
08.29.17 - As part of the collective bargaining agreement negotiated by Teamsters Local 727, Labor Day is a contractually recognized holiday. With the holiday fast approaching, Local 727 wanted to take the time to remind pharmacists of their rights under Section 5.7 of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Local 727 Continues to Fight for Osco Pharmacists as Highlighted in Chicago Tribune Article
08.15.17 - Osco’s recent finger scanning system was a hastily thought-out plan that has only made the pharmacist’s job that much more cumbersome. What is clear is that Osco installed this system shortly after the Chicago Tribune investigation last December. In another Tribune article published Wednesday, August 9, Local 727, standing up for Osco pharmacists, said it doesn’t know why Osco implemented its fingerprint scanning system or what its purpose is for, but “that it adds another task to the pharmacists’ already jam-packed workload.”
REMINDER: Osco Ordered to “Cease and Desist” from Requiring Pharmacists to Acquire Outside Flu Clinics or Leads for Outside Flu Clinics
07.28.17 - On April 6, 2017, Teamsters Local 727 was awarded an arbitration win on behalf of the more than 500 Osco pharmacists it represents. In his award, Arbitrator Elliott H. Goldstein ordered Osco to “cease and desist from enforcing any requirement that staff or head pharmacists obtain outside flu clinics or leads for outside flu clinics” as part of their daily job responsibilities.
Chicago Tribune Highlights Union’s Efforts to Reform Pharmacy Work Standards
07.14.17 - Teamsters Local 727 represents more than 640 pharmacists at Osco and CVS, and the union has seen first-hand how a lack of adequate work standards can be detrimental to both pharmacists and to the public they serve. That’s why Local 727, in conjunction with Teamster pharmacists and other allies, has been advocating for new pharmacy work standards for Illinois pharmacies to follow.
Attention Pharmacists: Know Your Weingarten Rights!
07.05.17 - As a member of Teamsters Local 727, you can invoke your Weingarten rights should you happen to be involved in a disciplinary meeting. Weingarten rights are integral to every union contract, so it’s important that every member understands them.
NLRB Finds Merit with Local 727’s Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Osco
06.21.17 - Region 13 of the National Labor Relations Board has found merit with the unfair labor practice charge Teamsters Local 727 filed in January over Jewel/Osco’s unlawful refusal to provide information about its employee benefits plans unless the union signed a confidentiality agreement. The Board has issued a complaint against the company.
Union Files Grievance Over Osco’s Failure to Follow Bidding Process on Open Positions
06.13.17 - Teamsters Local 727 recently filed a grievance against Osco claiming that the company is failing to follow the usual bidding process concerning open positions. The union is claiming that Osco is only posting positions for 48 hours, when the positions should be posted for a longer period.
New Pharmacy Work Standards Legislation Expected to Pass Unopposed in the Illinois House
06.05.17 - Updated pharmacy work rules that make working conditions more manageable for Illinois pharmacists are a step closer to becoming reality. Illinois House Bill 3462 is poised to officially pass both chambers in the Illinois State House, with no opposition, when the House reconvenes later this summer.
Osco’s Bad Behavior Continues with Apparent Misrepresentation of Information and Delay in Providing Information to Local 727
04.26.17 -- Last minute failures to provide information or a blown commitment now and then due to unforeseen circumstances are annoying to be sure. When it happens on a regular basis, however, and particularly by one party, then annoyance turns to antipathy and makes the offending party look ridiculous.
Local 727 Wins Arbitration Award for Osco Pharmacists
04.10.17 - Teamsters Local No. 727 was awarded an arbitration win on behalf of the more than 500 Osco pharmacists it represents. Arbitrator Elliott H. Goldstein ordered Osco to “cease and desist from enforcing any requirement that staff or head pharmacists obtain outside flu clinics or leads for outside flu clinics” as part of their daily job responsibilities.
Osco Unwilling to Compromise on Uniforms
03.16.17 – Last week, Local 727 filed a grievance due to Osco’s contract violation and past practices concerning new lab coat uniforms. During negotiations, members expressed concern over the quality and appearance of the lab coats provided by the employer.
Local 727 Fights for Passage of New Pharmacy Work Rules in Chicago
03.15.17 — An ordinance was recently introduced by Ald. Edward Burke that mirrors the language of House Bill 2392, which calls for new pharmacy work rules. Teamsters Local 727 is determined to see that the ordinance gets a fair hearing in the Chicago City Council.
Read and review the 2016-2019 contract between Teamsters Local 727 and Osco Drug. Use the table of contents on the following page to get to know individual sections of the member agreement, or click on the tab above to directly download a copy.
Know Your Business Agent
Teamsters Osco Business Agent: Sean McGough
Phone: (847) 696-7500
E-mail: Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org
Teamsters Local 727 Business Agent Sean McGough directly represents members working at Osco pharmacies across the Chicago area. Any Osco member who has any issue at work, including possible questions about the contract, potential grievances or private matters, do not hesitate to contact Sean or the Local 727 union office immediately via phone or e-mail.
Members can send a confidential message to Sean using the contact form below.