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.
Osco Member News
Teamsters Local 727 Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Osco
Upcoming Meetings
TEAMSTERS LOCAL 727 MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
March 29th Meeting Cancelled
Local 727 Meeting Hall
1300 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 114
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Questions?
Contact your agent.
Teamsters Osco Business Agent:
Sean McGough
Phone: (847) 696-7500
E-mail: Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org
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.
“This is a clear violation of our members’ rights, and the Union won’t stand for this unlawful and retaliatory treatment of our pharmacists,” stated John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “It just goes to show that management is scared of our pharmacists’ solidarity and our members should continue to stand strong and wear the buttons daily.”
If you are approached by management about wearing a Union button, if you still need a button, or if you have any questions, please reach out to your Local 727 Business Representative, Sean McGough, at (847) 696-7500 or Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org
The parties are currently scheduled to continue mediation on Monday, March 9.
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 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.
Local 727 has pressed for safer working conditions throughout negotiations, citing pharmacists’ long, exhaustive shifts as a danger to both the pharmacists and the communities they serve. Osco has ignored these concerns and instead proposed expanding 12-hour workdays for pharmacists.
To investigate the impact of these unsafe conditions, Local 727 requested information on the number of prescriptions that have been misfilled. Though this would not include patient data, Osco has refused to produce the information unless the union signs a non-disclosure agreement. Like Walgreens, it seems Osco is attempting to hide information.
While unfair labor practice charges are pending with the National Labor Relations Board over this issue, Local 727 believes patients have a right to this information and Osco should release the data immediately.”
Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
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CONTACT: Sean McGough, (847) 696-7500
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. The below regulations went into effect on January 1, 2020. If you believe your employer has violated these new regulations, reach out to your Local 727 Lead Business Representative, Melissa Senatore (CVS) or Sean McGough (Osco), AND file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
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New PPA Regulations (SB2104):
I. Section 85/30 (a)(30) – IDFPR may discipline a party for the following cause: “Requiring a pharmacist to participate in the use or distribution of advertisement or in making solicitations that may jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of patients.”
Why this is important: Employers are prohibited from mandating pharmacists participate in advertising or soliciting if they distract from pharmacists’ abilities to safely fill prescriptions.
II. Section 85/30 (a)(31) – IDFPR may discipline Osco or CVS for: “Failing to provide a working environment for all pharmacy personnel that protects the health, safety, and welfare of a patient, which includes, but is not limited to, failing to:
(A) “employ sufficient personnel to prevent fatigue, distraction, or other conditions that interfere with a pharmacist’s ability to practice with competency and safety or creates an environment that jeopardizes patient care;
(B) provide appropriate opportunities for uninterrupted rest periods and meal breaks;
(C) provide adequate time for a pharmacist to complete professional duties and responsibilities…”
Why this is important: If you believe your pharmacy does not have “sufficient personnel” to operate in a safe manner, contact IDFPR and the matter will be investigated.
III. Section 85/30 (a)(32) – IDFPR may discipline a party for the following cause: “Introducing or enforcing… productivity or production quotas or other programs against pharmacists, student pharmacist or pharmacy technicians, to the extent that they interfere with the ability of these individuals to provide appropriate professional services to the public.”
Why this is important: If your employer is using quotas when giving performance evaluations, contact IDFPR and the matter will be investigated.
IV. Section 85/30 (h) – “Any person who reports a violation of [Section 30 of the PPA] to the Department is protected under subsection (b) of Section 15 of the Whistleblower Act.”
Why this is important: CVS or Osco would face a penalty if they retaliate against a pharmacist who reports their employer’s violations.
V. Section 85/15.1 – “A pharmacist who works 6 continuous hours or longer per day shall be allowed to take, at a minimum, one 30-minute uninterrupted meal break and one 15-minute break during that 6-hour period. If such pharmacist is required to work 12 continuous hours per day, at a minimum, he or she qualifies for an additional 15-minute break. A pharmacist who is entitled to take such breaks shall not be required to work more than 5 continuous hours, excluding a 15-minute break, before being given the opportunity to take a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break.”
Why this is important: If you are not receiving your breaks, contact IDPFR and the matter will be investigated. **Please note: if your collective bargaining agreement provides for additional breaks or specifies some or all of these breaks must be paid, your contract supersedes this regulation.**
VI. Section 85/15.1 (e) – “A pharmacy shall keep and maintain a complete and accurate record showing its pharmacists’ daily break periods.”
VII. Section 85/15.1 (f) – Pharmacists and student pharmacists may work longer than 12 continuous hours, work without taking a required meal break, and/or may have a break interrupted if “an emergency, as deemed by the professional judgement of the pharmacist, necessitates [it]… in order to minimize immediate health risks for patients.”
Why this is important: Breaks may only be interrupted if, in the professional opinion of the pharmacist (NOT management), the situation is an emergency. If an employer is pressuring or encouraging you to interrupt or skip your breaks, contact IDPFR and the matter will be investigated.
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How to File a Complaint:
If you believe your employer has violated the PPA, including these new regulations, you may file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Complaints may be filed digitally through the Division of Professional Regulation’s online form or by mail.
**Please note: Local 727 does not represent individual employee or class action complaints before the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation.**
After a complaint has been filed, a pharmacy compliance inspector will follow-up and take action if it is appropriate.
Local 727 strongly urges all pharmacists who suspect their employer of violating the PPA to exercise their right to file a complaint. The more complaints that are substantiated, the more proof there will be that issues remain and further PPA improvements are needed to protect pharmacists and the general public.
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Local 727 Continues to Fight for Further Reform:
Since the Illinois Pharmaceutical Task Force submitted its final report and recommendations for modifying the PPA to the state legislature, Local 727 has maintained that further reform is necessary.
The amendments Local 727 believes are still needed include: (1) a limit on retail pharmacists’ workdays to no more than eight hours per day; (2) a requirement that at least one pharmacy technician be on duty at all times a pharmacist is scheduled; (3) a requirement that a separate breakroom be provided, so uninterrupted breaks can be guaranteed; and (4) a triple-pay penalty for days during which a retail employer fails to provide a pharmacist with the opportunity to take an uninterrupted break.
“The PPA amendments passed into law at the end of last year were a step forward; however, more work is left to be done,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “This Union will not back down and will continue to press for the reforms our retail pharmacist members deserve.”
As a result of the Union’s call for further reform, the Illinois legislature chose to extend the Task Force for an additional year in order to give Task Force members the opportunity to address remaining issues more fully. In addition to extending it, legislators also expanded the Task Force, adding an additional seat for a Teamster representative. The newly expanded Task Force held its first meeting Tuesday, February 18.
During the Task Force’s first 2020 meeting, Local 727 representatives were disappointed when the Task Force dismissed the Union’s concerns over pharmacist and public safety, as well as the Union’s call for an eight-hour limit for retail pharmacists’ workdays. Local 727 was, however, successful in getting the Task Force to consider adding language to the PPA that would require employers to provide a rest break in the precise middle of a pharmacists’ work shift. The Task Force will also be considering Local 727’s suggestion to add new language to the PPA prohibiting an employer from encouraging or incentivizing pharmacists to not take their breaks.
The next meeting of the Task Force is currently scheduled for Tuesday, March 10. Local 727 will continue to update members on the progress of the Task Force.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Sean McGough at (847) 696-7500 or Sean@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@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.
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.
They struggle to fill prescriptions, give flu shots, tend the drive-through, answer phones, work the register, counsel patients and call doctors and insurance companies, they said — all the while racing to meet corporate performance metrics that they characterized as unreasonable and unsafe in an industry squeezed to do more with less…
Regulating the chains — five rank among the nation’s 100 largest companies — has proved difficult for state pharmacy boards… the industry presence can stifle complaints…. pharmacists said they feared retaliation, knowing they could easily be replaced...
The specifics and severity of errors are nearly impossible to tally. Aside from lax reporting requirements, many mistakes never become public because companies settle with victims or their families, often requiring a confidentiality agreement…
…CVS is the largest chain and among the most aggressive in imposing performance metrics, pharmacists said… dozens of pharmacists described the emphasis on metrics as burdensome,
and said they faced backlash for failing to meet the goals or suggesting they were unrealistic or unsafe."
Read the New York Times full report by clicking here.
“This New York Times article highlights what our Union has been arguing for years—pushing pharmacists to do more and more work beyond their professional duties, the filling of prescriptions and counseling of patients, is unhealthy for our members and dangerous for the public at large,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “This Union will not stop pushing for safe work standards for our pharmacist members. Whether it’s at the bargaining table or the state level, this fight is not over.”
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.
Before joining Local 727, Sean worked as an organizer with SEIU Local 73 for over ten years, eventually working his way up to Organizing Director where he spearheaded organizing campaigns and managed SEIU’s growth strategy. Sean has been attending contract negotiations, visiting Chicagoland pharmacies, and working closely with Lead business representative Zach Frankenbach to learn what pressing issues currently face Local 727’s pharmacy members.
“I look forward to meeting and getting to know more of our pharmacist members and continuing Zach’s efforts to elevate the voices of Osco pharmacists,” said McGough.
Zach will continue to assist Sean in negotiations for a new successor collective bargaining agreement.
Members with questions should contact 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.
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.
In order to fully investigate this issue, Local 727 has requested that Osco provide the Union with detailed information on the vacation bidding and selection process in both 2018 and 2019. The Union’s grievance also demands that Osco cease violating the CBA and make whole any and all pharmacists that were affected by the Company’s actions.
“While negotiations for a fair successor agreement continue, Local 727 expects Osco to fulfill its legal obligations and abide by the terms of the current CBA,” said Zach Frankenbach, Lead Business Representative for Osco pharmacists. “If the Company fails to do so, the Union will not hesitate to pursue justice.”
Following the recent rejection of Osco’s five-year contract offer by 93% of Osco pharmacists, Local 727 and Company representatives have agreed to have a mediator present at the parties’ next bargaining session. The Union and Osco are currently scheduled to resume negotiations on Tuesday, December 10.
Any members with questions should contact Local 727 Lead Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or 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.
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.
Among the inconsistencies are (1) alterations in recommended language that appear to place additional job duties on head pharmacists or Pharmacists in Charge (PICs) to train pharmacy technicians; (2) changes in recommended language that appear to broaden the Task Force’s proposed limitations on advertising and solicitation; and (3) the addition of new language that was not presented or agreed upon by the Task Force. The proposal also fails to include a recommendation from the Task Force on the introduction of a requirement for employers to establish a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Program. According to the Task Force’s final report, the establishment and use of a CQI Program is essential and will allow the State to ensure employers are maintaining effective error records, which in turn may be used to assess pharmacies’ practices and improve the quality of care provided to patients.
After reaching out to express the Union’s concerns over the deviations from the Task Force’s carefully crafted language, as well as the omission of the requirement for a CQI Program, Representative Zalewski has agreed to work with Teamsters Local 727 and Teamsters Joint Council 25 to improve upon his initial bill.
“Thank you to Representative Zalewski for hearing our concerns and agreeing to work with us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with him on this important issue,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727.
Local 727 is also calling upon state officials to seize this opportunity and remedy retail pharmacy-specific issues that were not adequately addressed by the Task Force. As made clear by the dissents found in the Task Force Report, further amendments to the PPA that are needed in the retail pharmacy setting include: (1) a limit on retail pharmacists’ workdays to no more than eight hours; (2) having at least one pharmacy technician on duty at all times; (3) providing a separate breakroom, so as to guarantee uninterrupted rest breaks; and (4) a triple-pay penalty for days during which the retail employer fails to provide a pharmacist with the opportunity to take an uninterrupted break.
“The Task Force’s recommendations do not go far enough,” said Coli. “Our state must act now and address the critical issues facing retail pharmacists today. Critical issues that threaten both the safety of workers and the public.”
Local 727 is encouraging all members to reach out to their Illinois State Representatives to urge them to support the Union’s additional proposed amendments. To find your State Representative, including his or her phone number, email, and mailing address, click here.
“The push to drastically reform the PPA, as well as to establish the Task Force, were a direct result of union retail pharmacists speaking up and alerting the public to safety issues in many of our Illinois pharmacies. If we stand together once more, we can achieve true and effective change,” added Coli.
Local 727 will continue to update members as the fight for pharmacy reform advances in the Illinois General Assembly.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@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.
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.
Local 727 member and pharmacist Michael Trnka described the struggles pharmacists face when forced to work 12-hour shifts.
“By the end of a 12-hour shift, fatigue and hunger can make it difficult to focus on our priority—our patients and their safety,” said Trnka. “If we end the 12-hour workday, pharmacists will be better able to focus on the wellbeing of those who we have dedicated our careers and lives to helping.”
Union pharmacist Melissa Henry urged the Task Force to remember the threat overworking pharmacists poses to public safety.
“Fatigue is real…. It slows reaction time, leads to lapses of attention to critical details, errors of omission, compromised problem solving, and reduced motivation,” stated Henry. “The 12-hour shift does not benefit the patient or the pharmacist.”
Following Trnka and Henry’s powerful statements, Task Force member Tom Stiede motioned for a revote on the Task Force’s prior motion to recommend a 12-hour cap, which was previously voted before pharmacists were able to speak on the issue. Mr. Stiede’s motion was seconded and a second vote was held on recommending a pharmacist’s day be limited to 8 hours.
“While we may not have gotten enough support in favor of the 8-hour limit at this time, our Union pharmacists’ experiences and views were heard—that in itself is a victory,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “We will continue to stand behind and support our Teamster pharmacists because it is by elevating the voices of our members that we can direct lawmakers’ attention to the real-world problems facing pharmacists and affect real change.”
Teamster representatives submitted dissenting opinions on the Task Force’s recommendation of a 12-hour workday limit, as well as dissents with:
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The Task Force’s recommendation against the adoption of new language that would require at least one pharmacy technician be present at all times;
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The Task Force’s recommendation against the adoption of new language that would require employers to pay a pharmacist three times his or her regular hourly rate for each day when breaks are not provided; and
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The Task Force’s recommendation against the adoption of new language that would require pharmacies to provide pharmacists with a separate break room.
The Task Force’s final recommendations for modifying the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act (PPA), along with the Union’s dissenting opinions, will next be submitted to the Illinois General Assembly to review. Many of the initiatives Local 727 has pushed for were ultimately recommended by the Task Force, including:
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Requiring adequate staffing levels by,
a) disciplining employers that fail to provide sufficient personnel to prevent pharmacist fatigue that may interfere with a pharmacist’s ability to competently and safely practice their professional duties, and
b) expanding the duties pharmacy technicians are permitted to perform after training; -
Mandating pharmacists receive uninterrupted rest breaks by,
a) requiring employers to provide all pharmacists working longer than six continuous hours per day with at least one 30-minute uninterrupted meal break and at least one 15-minute rest break,
b) requiring employers to provide all pharmacists working twelve continuous hours with an additional 15-minute break,
c) prohibiting an employer from requiring a pharmacist to work five continuous hours per day without the opportunity to take an uninterrupted meal break,
d) disciplining employers that fail to provide uninterrupted rest and meal breaks, and
e) requiring employers to maintain records of the daily break periods of pharmacists; -
Prohibiting activities such as advertising and solicitation by,
a) disciplining employers that fail to provide a working environment that, by a pharmacist’s judgement, is free of distractions that may interfere with a pharmacist’s ability to competently and safely practice their professional duties; -
Incorporating whistleblower protections by,
a) restating the whistleblower provisions included in Illinois statutes, and
b) specifying that anyone who reports violations to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation are specifically protected under the Illinois Whistleblower Act.
“It’s been a long, tough road to get to where we are today. And while we now have support from the Task Force on many of the issues important to Local 727 pharmacists, our fight isn’t yet over,” added Coli. “We must continue to stand united and together call on our state representatives to pass into law meaningful and effective pharmacy reforms.”
Local 727 will continue to update members as the fight for pharmacy reform advances in the Illinois General Assembly.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@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.
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.
Local 727’s calls for a revote initially stem from the Task Force’s refusal during its June meeting to permit Teamster pharmacists advocating for an 8-hour day to speak on the issue prior to the motion’s vote. Despite Union representatives pointing out that that the Illinois Open Meetings Act gives every person the right to address public officials, the Task Force continued to deny the pharmacists’ right to speak and proceeded to vote in favor of recommending a pharmacist’s work day be capped at 12 hours.
In addition to motioning for a revote, pharmacist speakers will also be listed on the August agenda to further ensure that they are given time to speak. Teamster pharmacists will have the opportunity to share their experiences and make their case for an 8-hour cap before the Task Force reconsiders its recommendation for the maximum length of a pharmacist’s workday.
Local 727 strongly urges pharmacists who have struggled with the 12-hour work day to send their stories to Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore so they may be shared with the Task Force at Tuesday’s meeting.
“Local 727 prides itself on our record of success of protecting the rights of our members. We don’t give up and we don’t back down until our Brothers and Sisters receive the fair treatment they deserve,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “We look forward to supporting our members as they bravely stand and call for safe pharmaceutical standards in Illinois.”
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@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.
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.
Local 727’s demand for a revote is a direct result of the Task Force’s refusal to allow Teamster pharmacists in attendance at its June 19 meeting to share their opinions and rationale for advocating for an 8-hour cap. Even after Union representatives reminded Task Force members that the Illinois Open Meetings Act gives every person the right to address public officials, the Task Force continued to deny Teamster pharmacists’ right to speak and ultimately proceeded to vote in favor of capping a pharmacist’s work day at 12 hours.
Rather than directly address this serious failure to follow state law and to properly remedy the situation with a revote, the Chairman of the Task Force merely stated in the July meeting that attendees would be given an opportunity to speak at the Task Force’s final meeting in August.
“Offering the opportunity to speak on a matter that will not be voted again is a worthless gesture seemly geared towards quieting our outspoken opposition,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.
“Local 727 will not allow this issue to be swept under the rug,” added Coli. “We will continue to advocate and fight on behalf of our pharmacist members for an 8-hour workday.”
The Task Force is scheduled to conduct its final meeting on Tuesday, August 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Members with questions, or those wanting to share their experiences with the Task Force, should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@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.
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. These include motions that:
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Require employers to keep a complete and accurate record of the daily break periods of its pharmacists;
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Require employers to provide pharmacists with the opportunity to take uninterrupted rest and meal breaks, or face disciplinary action;
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Require employers to provide pharmacists with an adequate amount of time to complete their professional duties, or face disciplinary action;
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Require employers to adequately staff pharmacies so as to prevent fatigue, distraction, or other conditions from interfering with a pharmacist’s ability to safely complete his or her professional duties, or face disciplinary action;
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Clarify that whistleblower protections extend to anyone that reports violations of the PPA to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
In addition to voting in favor of reforming the PPA’s rest break, employer accountability, and whistleblower protection standards, the Task Force also held a vote to determine whether it should recommend a pharmacist’s workday be limited to 8 or 12 hours. Local 727 members in attendance asked for a moment to speak on the issue so they could share with the Task Force the challenges they have experienced firsthand when forced to work shifts longer than 8 hours. The Task Force denied the Teamster pharmacists’ request.
Despite Local 727 representatives pointing out that the Illinois Open Meetings Act protects the right of any person to address public officials, the Task Force again refused the pharmacists right to speak and proceeded with its vote. Ultimately, the Task Force voted in favor of recommending a pharmacist’s workday be capped at 12 hours—precisely what Local 727 pharmacists sought to prevent.
Local 727 has called on the Task Force to invalidate its vote in light of the blatant violation of Illinois state law. The Union has also demanded pharmacists be given the opportunity to share their views before the Task Force votes the issue again.
“The fundamental role of public officials is to maintain and defend the law. To have the Task Force—a group of officials entrusted with the great responsibility of analyzing and recommending changes to Illinois statute—so readily dismiss the law is alarming,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “Local 727 demands our members be given the opportunity to speak, as is their right.”
The Task Force is next scheduled to meet tomorrow, Tuesday, July 9. Local 727 will continue to update members on the Task Force’s progress.
Members with questions, or those wanting to share their experiences with the Task Force, should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@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.
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.
Local 727 strongly urges Teamster pharmacists to attend Wednesday’s meeting. Share your struggles with the 12-hour work day with the Task Force and demand effective reform. The Task Force meeting will take place on June 19 at 1:30 p.m. on the 16th floor in Room 16-504 of the Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street. If you are unable to attend but would like for your experiences over allowing a 12-hour work day to be shared, please contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@TeamstersLocal727.org.
The proposed recommendations currently scheduled to be voted on by the Task Force include:
In addition to voting on the issues outlined above, the Task Force is also slated to discuss expanding pharmacy technician training requirements and modifying the current list of duties technicians are prohibited from performing.
“Local 727’s presence at the Task Force meetings over the past few years has had a significant impact on the development of these recommendations and we remain hopeful that many of these motions will pass. We won’t back down now that we’re in the homestretch,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@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.
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.
When the Task Force’s attention turned towards pharmacists’ work days and rest breaks, Local 727 representatives seized the opportunity to push for the adoption of an 8-hour cap on pharmacists’ work days. The Union emphasized the many safety concerns, including the potential threat to public safety, that may result from forcing pharmacists to work excessively long shifts.
Union representatives also demanded that the Task Force include in their policy reform recommendations a method for enforcing pharmacy employers’ compliance with established meal and rest break standards. Local 727 suggested that employers be required to track pharmacists’ meal and rest breaks in order to ensure breaks are actually occurring and the employer is complying with state regulations.
The Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force will begin voting on recommendations for reforming the Pharmacy Practice Act at its next meeting. The Task Force must then present its recommendations to the General Assembly by November 1, at which time state representatives will decide whether to accept the recommendations.
Local 727 will continue to update our members on the progress of the Task Force.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance, 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 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.
Teamster pharmacists spoke passionately to passersby of the potential dangers associated with CVS’s recent drastic reduction in pharmacy technician hours, upcoming store closures, and continued unwillingness to bargain in good faith with the Local 727 bargaining committee—including longer wait times for essential medications—and the fear many pharmacists share over the impact understaffing pharmacies and overworking pharmacists will have on public safety.
As Local 727 informed the public of pharmacists’ daily struggles outside the Thompson Center, Teamster representatives also continued to advocate for effective policy reform within the March 12th meeting of the Illinois Pharmacy Task Force.
Teamster representatives in attendance stressed the importance of reforming the Illinois Pharmacy Practice Act in such a manner that EMPLOYERS could be held accountable for patient safety violations which stem from company-created unsafe work conditions. The Union argued that companies should be disciplined when productivity quotas, insufficient personnel, a lack of actual rest breaks, and mandatory non-professional duties like marketing or advertising assignments interfere with a pharmacist’s ability to safely review and dispense medications. Local 727 also pressed for the inclusion of strong whistleblower protections to safeguard individuals who come forward to report such violations.
Unsurprisingly, Osco management, present at the Task Force meeting, attempted to defend the Company’s policies by claiming many industries offer incentive programs to employees, citing university recruitment practices as an example. Task Force committee members quickly discredited the absurd claim by pointing out that employee incentive programs can be unethical and, as such, do not in fact exist in many industries.
“Patient and employee safety must come before profitability—plain and simple,” stated John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “Whether it’s through legislation, handbilling, or collective bargaining, Local 727 will use every tool at our disposal to fight for true, effective pharmacy reform and the safety of our membership.”
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Union Files Grievance After Osco Violates 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 recently learned that Osco has informed affected technicians that they must participate in an interview with management before their status is changed and they receive the “pharmacy student” wage rate.
The Union immediately contacted Osco after being notified of this Company-fabricated additional requirement. The settlement does not require technicians to participate in an interview and instead all affected employees should have their status and wages immediately adjusted regardless of whether they agreed to interview or not.
According to the agreement signed by Osco, ‘wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment set forth in the Local 727 contract shall apply to the Affected Employee as of the Sunday immediately following the date the Company was so notified…”
“This Union will not stand idly by and allow Osco, or any other employer, to concoct their own additional terms to any agreement,” insisted John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “These hardworking students deserve to be paid fairly. They shouldn’t have to jump through hoops because Osco has them incorrectly classified.”
Osco pharmacists, do you have a technician and/or pharmacy student enrolled in their third year of school or beyond working in your pharmacy? Reach out to Local 727 and let us know today!
Any members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
When the Task Force last met on Tuesday, January 9th, Union representatives and members sat front row and set the record straight on many of the absurd responsibilities and duties assigned to pharmacists. Local 727 representatives stressed to committee members the difficult position pharmacists are placed in by management’s insinuation that falling short on corporate-created marketing or solicitation “goals,” or other non-pharmaceutical duty quotas, could negatively impact pharmacists’ evaluations and careers.
Local 727 member and Osco pharmacist Ciprian Gorgan reinforced the Union’s position by sharing real examples of tasks he has been assigned outside of his capacity as a professional pharmacist and the challenge these duties have caused on the job.
“You’re asked to go out into the store and drum up business because people see the white pharmacist’s coat and they trust you more,” shared Gorgan, “but when I am by myself, I cannot delegate filling prescriptions. If you want us to be professional pharmacists, we can’t also be full-time salespeople.”
Gorgan and Local 727’s comments garnered attention from the Task Force and prompted one committee member to reassert the necessity for and importance of the Task Force recommending clear guidelines for pharmacist duties in order to prevent the abuse of quotas and “goals.”
“Local 727 encourages all pharmacists to reach out and let the Union know of any issues you are experiencing at work that should be brought to the Task Force’s attention,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “The Task Force’s recommendations are due in only a few short months. Help us ensure new work standards are proposed that allow you to do your job safely.”
The Task Force is tentatively scheduled to meet next on Wednesday, February 13th. Local 727 will continue to update our members on the progress of the Task Force.
Members with questions, or those wanting to provide a list of issues, should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Local 727 representatives in attendance informed the Task Force of the numerous responsibilities, including but not limited to cold calling, creating goody bags, and making store announcements, that pharmacists are required to perform while simultaneously meeting high prescription dispensing quotas. The Union emphasized to the Task Force the dangers job duties which distract from the safe filling of prescriptions pose and urged the committee to consider recommending a ban on such distractions when only one pharmacist is on duty. The Union’s insight on the impact of nonprofessional additional tasks and high prescription quotas generated curiosity and successfully garnered agreement from committee members who were previously less receptive to pro-worker policy recommendations.
“By sharing the reality of what challenges face hardworking pharmacists every day on the job, this Union has successfully convinced multiple Task Force members to reconsider their positions,” stated John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.
The Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force must vote on recommendations to be included in Illinois statute by September 1, 2019. The committee members must then present their recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by November 1, 2019, at which time the General Assembly will decide whether to accept the recommendations.
“Our presence has made a tremendous impact on this Task Force. We won’t stop now,” added Coli. “Local 727 will continue to show up and speak up on behalf of our members. We will not give up until new work standards are proposed that allow our members to safely do the work they love.”
The Task Force is tentatively scheduled to meet next on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Local 727 will continue to update our members on the progress of the Task Force.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Immediately upon learning of this glaring misclassification, Local 727 filed a grievance demanding that all pharmacy students enrolled in their 3rd year of pharmacy school and beyond be covered by the CBA. When Osco denied the Union’s grievance, Local 727 escalated the grievance to arbitration.
As a result of Local 727’s determination and readiness to present the matter for arbitration, Osco has agreed to resolve the issue. According to the settlement agreement, “Pharmacy Technicians who are also Pharmacy Students enrolled in a 3rd year of pharmacy school (in their first professional year of pharmacy school) or beyond (‘the Affected Employees’), fall within Article 1, the Recognition Clause, of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and are therefore members of the Teamsters Local 727 Bargaining Unit.”
Additionally, the agreement states 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.”
Osco pharmacists, do you have a technician and/or pharmacy student enrolled in their third year of school or beyond working in your pharmacy? Reach out to Local 727 and let us know today!
Also according to the agreement, “wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment” stated in the CBA shall take affect the Sunday immediately following Osco’s notification of an affected employee’s enrollment in pharmacy school. As such, Local 727 STRONGLY encourages all pharmacists who work with a pharmacy student in their first professional year of pharmacy school or beyond to reach out to the Union so we may confirm all affected employees receive their proper benefits. The sooner a pharmacy student notifies Osco of his or her enrollment, the sooner he or she will be paid the correct “pharmacy student” wage rate as specified in the CBA.
“Because one pharmacist spoke up, an untold number of our hardworking Teamster Brothers and Sisters will receive the pay and benefits they so rightly deserve,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “The strength of our collective bargaining agreements come from the power we wield as a united front. I encourage all Local 727 members to remain vigilant on the job, reach out to your Union representatives with questions, and report discrepancies in your workplaces.”
Any members with questions, or who would like to discuss issues they are experiencing, should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Teamsters Local 727 would like to thank all of the pharmacists who bravely came forward to share their experiences in the Union’s recent questionnaire. Pharmacists’ detailed descriptions of ongoing issues effecting breaks were again reported to Osco prior to the parties’ latest meeting. Because numerous pharmacists came forward to share their experiences and were willing to provide store numbers, Osco finally admitted that pharmacists are not getting uninterrupted breaks and that problems exist.
The Company has vowed to investigate outstanding issues, identify solutions, and hopes to implement those solutions over the next 60 days. Local 727 has asked Osco to discuss any potential solutions it has identified with the Union prior to their implementation in order to prevent new problems from arising. During this time, pharmacists who experience problems with taking an uninterrupted break are encouraged to reach out to the Union with details on the issue and store in which the problem is occurring so Osco may address it. Osco has assured the Union that there will be no negative consequences or discipline for pharmacists who come forward to report issues.
Osco informed the Union that it has instructed Store Directors and Managers to report to pharmacies at the previously scheduled break times when pharmacists are working alone, in order to ensure pharmacists receive their breaks. If a Store Director or Manager is not following these instructions, please inform the Union immediately.
Osco also stated it will send DPMs to train technicians who pharmacists believe need further instruction on handling interruptions and customers while pharmacists are on break. Pharmacists who feel techs within their pharmacy require more training are encouraged to inform Osco or the Union.
Should Osco ultimately fail to resolve the issues preventing pharmacists from receiving their uninterrupted rest breaks, Local 727 will file a grievance and call upon pharmacists to testify during arbitration. While Osco works to resolve outstanding issues, Local 727 will continue to press for reform and state-wide policy changes during meetings of the Illinois Pharmacy Task Force.
“The Union’s contract with Osco is clear—pharmacists have the right to uninterrupted rest breaks. Local 727 will accept nothing less,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “We’re glad the Company is finally listening to our members and has committed to finding solutions to all outstanding problems, however the Union will not be assuaged by words alone. We will continue to demand change until Osco has lived up to its promises and taken real action.”
Once Osco has identified and proposed solutions to reported problems, Local 727 will reach out to pharmacists again to check-in on the effectiveness of these solutions.
Any members with questions, or who would like to discuss issues they are experiencing, should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Pharmacists’ rest breaks took center stage at the most recent meeting of the Pharmacy Task Force on September 11th. Local 727 representatives in attendance spoke up and urged the committee to seriously consider their rest break recommendations. By detailing the many hurdles that prevent Teamster pharmacists from taking breaks—including staff shortages, an ever-growing list of superfluous distracting duties, and the refusal of CVS and Osco to acknowledge the problems that exist—Local 727 succeeded in convincing the Task Force to reevaluate rest break standards. The committee discussed the possibility of recommending closing pharmacies and posting signs when pharmacists are on break.
“This Union will continue to amplify the voices of our hardworking pharmacists and push for safe work standards,” stated Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer John Coli, Jr.. “We hope the Task Force truly listens to the experiences of our members and recommends changes that will actually fix the problems facing pharmacists.”
Teamsters Local 727 will continue to attend task force meetings and press for the adoption of the work standards championed by the Union, including:
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Limits on prescriptions filled per hour
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At least 10 pharmacy technician hours per 100 prescriptions
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Mandatory staffing levels at Illinois pharmacies that include one pharmacy tech per pharmacist at all times
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Capping pharmacists’ work days at eight hours
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Prohibiting activities such as advertising or solicitation mandates that distract pharmacists from doing their job serving the public
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Mandatory uninterrupted paid rest breaks and meal periods
“Local 727 will continue to show up, stand up, and make our voice heard,” added Coli. “We will not relent until real changes are made, until patient safety is considered before corporate greed, until our members can safely perform the jobs they love and are trained to do.”
The Collaborative Pharmaceutical Task Force is tentatively scheduled to meet next on Tuesday, October 9th. Local 727 will continue to update our members on the progress of the task force.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org or Local 727 CVS Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or Melissa@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Osco representatives posited the issues reported throughout the trial period may have been fabricated by a single or handful of disgruntled employees. In essence, Company representatives surmised that a small number of Osco pharmacists—pharmacists whose duties keep them so incredibly busy throughout their shifts that they must stay late and often leave work exhausted—were spending their time away from work filing dozens of false surveys to artificially inflate the number of issues.
Osco representatives claimed pharmacists have reported no issue with breaks when the Company directly questions members. Local 727 ardently requested the Company refrain from questioning members in the future and explained there exists a true fear of retaliation among employees which is only exacerbated by further questioning by management. Rather, the Union suggested the Company questions pharmacy techs on how frequently they interrupt a pharmacist’s break.
Despite Osco’s illogical arguments, the Union pushed for new measures to be introduced to ensure pharmacists are receiving their uninterrupted breaks. Local 727 offered multiple viable solutions for remedying outstanding issues, including training pharmacy techs and store directors on what constitutes an “emergency” and how to address customer questions regarding pharmacists’ breaks, posting break schedules in conspicuous locations, placing a sign at the pharmacy window during pharmacists’ break times, or closing the pharmacy as a whole. Osco responded to the Union’s suggestions by claiming the company was “discussing options internally.”
Local 727 also took the meeting as an opportunity to press Osco on the steps it has taken to ensure CSI scores would not be effected by a pharmacist taking his or her scheduled break. Osco said it would find out and let the Union know.
In order to force Osco to acknowledge the issues preventing pharmacists from taking rest breaks, Local 727 Business Representative Zach Frankenbach and your Union stewards ask that at least one pharmacist from each store report what issues are preventing you from taking uninterrupted breaks. A brief questionnaire will be distributed later this week in order to determine the issues occurring at each store. Osco has claimed that it cannot address the problems unless it knows which stores the issues occur at.
Local 727 and Osco will meet again to continue discussions on pharmacists’ rest breaks on October 9th.
Any members with questions, or who would rather speak directly about issues they are still experiencing, should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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. The settlements concern the following issues:
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Rest Breaks: Head pharmacists will schedule breaks, including lunch and dinner, as outlined in Section 3.3 of the collective bargaining agreement. Per the existing CBA, “all meals and rest periods shall remain UNINTERRUPTED except in the event that the absence of the pharmacist may cause a negative impact on the safety and welfare of the patient.” Head pharmacists will provide the break schedule to his or her district pharmacy manager. Pharmacists who are working alone will partner with a store manager to ensure they receive their breaks, and report any difficulties to their DPM. The Parties agreed to a trial period during which the changes outlined above would be maintained. As a result of pharmacists’ responses to Union questionnaires, Local 727 has informed Osco of unresolved issues reported throughout the trial period.It is the Union’s expectation that Osco management will attempt to remedy the outstanding problems before the Parties meet to discuss whether the implemented new steps allow pharmacists to take uninterrupted breaks.Any member currently experiencing issues with his or her breaks should contact Zach Frankenbach (contact info below)
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Part-time Hours: Going forward, if the employer reduces part-time hours available in a pharmacy, the remaining part-time hours will be offered to the most senior part-time pharmacist who has that store as his/her employer-designated home store and is available to work those remaining hours prior to the hours being assigned to someone not based in that location, unless the remaining part-time hours are assigned to a full-time pharmacist.
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Flu Shots: Osco agreed in unity that any discipline or threat of discipline over flu shirts, or meetings held regarding flu shirts, “is hereby removed and/or rescinded.” Additionally, if you are a pharmacist who works at store 2504, 3092, 3159, 3167, 3176, 3187 or 3189 and you were threatened with discipline, rest assured that NO DISCIPLINE RESULTED from the inappropriate threats by your DPM over the wearing/photography of wearing the t-shirts.
Local 727 will keep members updated on further developments in outstanding grievances and arbitrations.
Members with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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. The Union believed this to be in violation of the collective bargaining agreement.
According to the Settlement Agreement:
Going forward, if the employer reduces part-time hours available in a pharmacy, the remaining part-time hours will be offered to the most senior part-time pharmacist who has that store as his/her employer-designated home store and is available to work those remaining hours. Should the pharmacist be unable to work the available remaining hours, the hours may be assigned to a full-time pharmacist or to someone not based at that location.
“Local 727 was able to achieve this settlement because of the bravery of pharmacists who contacted the Union and protested the Company’s actions,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “The importance of seniority in a union contract is sacrosanct. I am happy that Osco worked with the Union to fix this issue going forward.”
If you believe Osco is violating the CBA, please don’t hesitate to contact Local 727 Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
As stipulated in Appendix C of the CBA, upon discontinuation of 24-hour pharmacy operations, pharmacists who worked the 10 p.m. – 8 a.m. shift may use their seniority to bump the least senior pharmacist in the bargaining unit and transition to a regular full-time position, provided the 10 p.m. – 8 a.m. pharmacist’s seniority is greater.
If the change creates a twelve (12) hour shift for pharmacists remaining in Store #3345 and Store #3407, Article 3 details the following procedure that Osco is obligated to follow while scheduling pharmacists.
Staff positions within a pharmacy that has twelve (12) hour shifts must be filled in the following order:
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by VOLUNTEERS within the specific store;
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Any pharmacist declining the twelve (12) hour shift…may request to be transferred to any open position, including the nearest Staff Pharmacist position from which a volunteer was secured to fill the twelve hour shift. If, for operational necessity, the Company does not place the pharmacist in that location, the Company will work with the pharmacist, in a good faith attempt to locate a mutually acceptable location;
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by volunteers from other stores;
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new pharmacists…; and
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assignment based on inverse seniority.
Pharmacists that agree to work in a store with twelve (12) hour shifts can work no more than twelve (12) hours in any one (1) day, not to exceed one (1) twelve (12) hour shift in any calendar week.
Please contact Business Representative Zach Frankenbach (Zach@TeamstersLocal727.org) IMMEDIATELY if you have any questions or if you are a pharmacist working in one of the above stores and believe that Osco has not followed the CBA. Pharmacists can also click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to send an anonymous message to Zach.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Federal Labor Law makes it unlawful for an Employer to retaliate against an employee for engaging in protected concerted activities, which include filing grievances and voicing concerns about terms and conditions of employment. It is also unlawful under the National Labor Relations Act for an employer to engage in surveillance of employees’ union activity.
In other words, the NLRA protects the right of pharmacists to meet with and report violations of the CBA to Local 727 representatives without retaliation or threats of retaliation by Osco.
Should a pharmacist ever feel that they are being treated differently due to their union activity, it is imperative that they report this treatment to the Union immediately. In fact, recently Local 727 learned of an alleged instance of Company retaliation against a member and immediately filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge.
“The Union stands ready to safeguard the rights of pharmacists, but pharmacists need to continue to speak up,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “If members do not come forward and alert their representatives to issues in their workplace, it is difficult for the Union to resolve those issues. By speaking up about contract violations, filing grievances, and informing the Union of threats or instances of retaliation pharmacists can use their voice to affect true change.”
If you have questions, contact your Local 727 business representative, Zach Frankenbach, at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Though Local 727 brought this issue to Osco’s attention immediately, Osco refused to offer a remedy. As a result, the Union was forced to file a ULP.
“We will not allow any company to disrespect or retaliate against Union members without a swift response from the Union,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “Local 727 will always stand strong for its members and ensure their rights are respected. We look forward to a finding that Osco’s actions were unlawful by the NLRB.”
If you have questions, contact your Local 727 business representative, Zach Frankenbach, at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
When the Parties were unable to resolve the grievance, Local 727 submitted it to arbitration. A settlement was recently achieved, however, and going forward, head pharmacists will be scheduling breaks and meal periods, as outlined in Section 3.3 of the collective bargaining agreement. Per the existing CBA, “all meals and rest periods shall remain UNINTERRUPTED except in the event that the absence of the pharmacist may cause a negative impact on the safety and welfare of the patient.”
Additionally, head pharmacists will provide the break schedule to his or her district pharmacy manager. The DPM will then provide the break schedule to the store director, assistant store director and/or night shift manager. To ensure that mandatory breaks occur, pharmacists who are working alone will partner with a store manager, store director, and/or night shift manager to ensure they receive their breaks, and immediately report any difficulties to their DPM.
The Union has articulated its concerns to Osco that these changes may not go far enough to solidify uninterrupted breaks. As such, the Parties have agreed to a 60-day trial period during which the changes outlined above will be maintained. The trial period is set to begin in early March and pharmacists should be receiving notice from Osco shortly.
During the 60-day trial period, pharmacists are encouraged to speak up and inform Local 727 any time they are unable to take an uninterrupted break. In the coming weeks, pharmacists will receive a survey about the effectiveness of these break changes and any existing issues.
If pharmacists are unable to take an uninterrupted break or have questions about the new procedures, contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
According to a recent article published in the Chicago Tribune, on Oct. 10, the City Council Finance Committee approved a proposal containing all the provisions Local 727 and pharmacists have long pushed for. The proposed legislation includes limits on the number of prescriptions filled per hour, guaranteed meal and rest breaks, prohibition on solicitations that prevent pharmacists from serving the public, and whistleblower protection.
“If this measure passes the City Council, it will be a significant victory for Teamster pharmacists who are currently working under extreme pressure to meet unrealistic corporate expectations,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.
Ald. Edward Burke, who sponsored the proposal and is chairman of the Finance Committee, did not indicate when a vote for the measure will take place, but hoped to take the proposal to the full City Council for a vote soon. Local 727 will keep members updated as this proposal moves forward.
Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org
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.
In an effort to resolve the issue, Osco recently informed Local 727 that it has created a “bypass” to biometrics which will allow employees to bypass the biometric requirement when a pharmacist is on his/her break.
“Although it took a lot of fight from Local 727, the end result is a huge win for pharmacists and the Union,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “There was simply no way that a pharmacist could take an uninterrupted break with the previous biometric requirement. I am happy we were able to remove one obstacle that prevented pharmacists from getting their contractual breaks.”
If you have any questions, please contact Local 727 Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Additionally, Osco is eliminating the 24-hour operation in store #3516 and opening store #3405 for 24 hours.
The collective bargaining agreement negotiated by Teamsters Local 727 grants you certain rights and requires that Osco adhere to certain procedures for pharmacy store hour changes. Those procedures are listed in Article 3.
Staff pharmacist positions within the above 36 stores must be filled in the following order:
1) by VOLUNTEERS within the specific store;
2) Any pharmacist declining the twelve (12) hour shift…may request to be transferred to any open position, including the nearest Staff Pharmacist position from which a volunteer was secured to fill the twelve-hour shift. If, for operational necessity, the Company does not place the pharmacist in that location, the Company will work with the pharmacist, in a good faith attempt to locate a mutually acceptable location;
2) by volunteers from other stores;
3) new pharmacists…; and
4) assignment based on inverse seniority.
Pharmacists agreeing to work in the above 36 stores can be required to work no more than 12 hours in any one day, not to exceed one (1) twelve (12) hour shift in any calendar week. In addition, full-time pharmacists working at stores #3516 and #3405 will be eligible to exercise their rights under Appendix C of the CBA.
Please contact Business Representative Zach Frankenbach (zach@teamsterslocal727.org) immediately if you have any questions or if you are a pharmacist working in one of the 38 stores and believe that Osco has not followed the CBA. Pharmacists can also click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to send a message to Zach.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
The website features a wealth of information, such as the latest news headlines and frequently asked questions, and is a great resource as well as a quick and easy reference guide for the myriad issues that pharmacists face.
Along with a part-time database, perhaps the most important piece of information found on OscoTeamsters.com is a full, downloadable copy of the latest contract.
Should you need to send a message to your Teamsters Local 727 representative, the contact information for Local 727 Business Representative Zach Frankenbach is also listed on the website.
“We created OscoTeamsters.com so it can act as a valuable resource and learning portal for pharmacists,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “The Union believes in strong two-way communication between business representatives and members, which the website helps achieve.”
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).
Under Section 5.7
No more than one (1) regularly assigned full-time pharmacist, per pharmacy, shall be required to work up to four (4) hours or past 2 p.m. on Labor Day unless otherwise volunteered, and except that full-time pharmacists hired after Oct. 16, 1996, with less than five (5) years of continuous service may be required to work up to eight (8) hours, not to exceed 5 p.m.
Regular full-time and part-time employees hired after May 8, 2016 may be required to work without limitation.
Under Section 5.7(2)
1) Regular full-time employees who do not work on a holiday are to receive holiday pay in an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of his/her regular weekly salary provided the pharmacist works his/her scheduled workday before and after the holiday.
2) Where a holiday falls on an employee’s regular day off, he/she shall receive at the Employer’s option either another day off during the holiday week or holiday pay in an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the regular weekly salary.
3) An employee who works on a holiday shall receive bonus units as follows:
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For each quarter day or portion thereof, five percent (5%) of the basic weekly salary;
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For each half day or portion thereof, ten percent (10%) of the basic weekly salary;
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For each three quarter day or portion thereof, fifteen percent (15%) of the basic weekly salary;
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For each full day or portion thereof, twenty percent (20%) of the basic weekly salary.
4) For part-time employees to qualify for holiday pay, he/she must work both the regularly scheduled workdays before and after the holiday, and the holiday itself if scheduled. In addition to meeting the preceding requirements, a part-time employee must also have worked:
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An average of ten (10) hours per week in the payroll quarter preceding a national holiday, and
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An average of ten (10) hours per week in the accounting period preceding the accounting period in which the holiday falls.
5) Regular part-time employees who qualify shall receive holiday pay in the amount of twenty percent (20%) of their average weekly straight-time hours worked during the accounting period preceding the accounting period in which the holiday falls.
For further information about holiday pay and scheduling, please visit http://www.oscoteamsters.com/contract
If you did not receive holiday pay or were required to work in violation of the CBA, please contact your Local 727 business representative, Zach Frankenbach, at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
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.”
Implementing this system recently led Teamsters Local 727 to file a grievance against the company for violating the collective bargaining agreement, since it prevents pharmacists from taking a break. Furthermore, Osco did not consult pharmacists or the Union before implementation.
Osco’s apparent lack of concern for pharmacists comes as no surprise, as the company has demonstrated its lack of sincerity with Local 727 as well as a pattern of broken promises.
“New pharmacy legislation being pushed by Local 727 is needed to combat disruptive corporate actions, like fingerprint scanning, that just add more work to the pharmacists’ already unmanageable workload,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.
Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
The grievance arose following the company’s directive to pharmacists to acquire new flu shot clinics/leads, thus violating Section 2.10 of the collective bargaining agreement.
“The award validates the fact that pharmacists ought to be performing patient-centric services rather than be engaged in marketing or acting as salespersons for the company,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.
For further information, please scroll down to the Union’s story from April 10.
Thank you.
If you have been asked or directed to obtain or participate in flu clinics, please contact Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
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.
These new work standards became central to a bill sponsored by Illinois State Representative Mary Flowers. A mirror version of the bill is also being debated in the Chicago City Council.
The new work standards long pushed by Local 727 and incorporated into the Flowers bill include the following provisions:
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Limits on prescriptions filled per hour not to exceed 10 prescriptions
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At least 10 pharmacy technician hours per 100 prescriptions
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Require pharmacists to report dispensing errors
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Require mandatory staffing levels at Illinois pharmacies that include one pharmacy tech per pharmacist at all times
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Prohibit pharmacists from working no more than eight hours per day
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Place a general prohibition on activities such as advertising or solicitation mandates that distract pharmacists from doing their job serving the public
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Mandatory pharmacist paid rest breaks and meal periods
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Language added to incorporate “whistleblower protection.”
The history of how Rep. Flowers’ bill evolved into a task force to propose changes to current Illinois pharmacy law was featured in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, July 9. The article details the legislative process, where things stand now and the stakeholders involved, including Local 727.
“We look forward to collaborating with the task force to see that our efforts at reforming pharmacy work standards finally become law,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “We also can clearly see by CVS management’s actions in the last bargaining session that they are afraid of the task force fulfilling its mission.”
The task force, the result of the union's continued efforts and bravery exhibited by pharmacists who spoke out about their concerns, will examine the various provisions the union has pushed for to see if they can be added to the Pharmaceutical Practice Act to better serve the public.
By September 1, 2019, the members of the task force must vote on recommendations to be included in statute. They then must present their recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by November 1, 2019, where the general assembly will then decide to accept the recommendations of the task force.
Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
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.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 1975 decision in the Weingarten case held that if the employer requires an employee to submit to an investigatory meeting and denies the employee’s request for union representation, then the employer is in violation of the National Labor Relations Act.
If you are called into a meeting with Osco management and have reason to believe that disciplinary action may be imposed, you have the right to have a union agent present during the meeting.
Read this statement to management: “If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request my representative be present here at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions. This is my right under the U.S. Supreme Court decision called Weingarten.”
For more information on your Weingarten rights, contact your Local 727 business representative, Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org. Ask Zach for a Weingarten Rights card to keep in your wallet!
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.
“We’re happy that Region 13 agreed with the union that Osco can’t refuse to provide important information the union requests,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “This is the type of information that should be readily available to all employees since it directly affects their work life.”
The case is now being set for a hearing. The union will keep members updated as the process moves forward.
Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
Osco’s actions also directly contradict language in the current collective bargaining agreement. Specifically, according to Section 7.3 (b), “Open and available Head Pharmacist and Full-Time Staff Pharmacist positions will be sent to pharmacists via e-mail. Bidding will take place via the Company’s usual process.”
“The union spent countless hours at the bargaining table so all pharmacists could have the opportunity to view and apply for all open positions,” said John Coli, Jr., President of Local 727. “This is yet another example of Osco’s deliberate violation of contract language and it shows a complete disregard for the pharmacists’ rights under the contract.”
The union will continue to update Osco pharmacists on this and other grievances. If you have questions, contact your Local 727 business representative, Zach Frankenbach, at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
The bill creates a task force to consider pharmacy issues, including the new work standards Teamsters Local 727 proposed earlier this year. The task force will have one representative from a labor organization representing pharmacies. The union is working to make sure it’s a Teamsters representative.
“We’re extremely pleased and excited about this pending accomplishment,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “When this legislation finally does become law, we anticipate a less contentious and protracted contract negotiating process for our members.”
The House adjourned earlier this week without a budget, with the plan to return over the summer. “I don’t expect any opposition; it’s just a matter of the bill moving procedurally,” said Jeff Crabtree, Political Director for Joint Council 25. “We’ll be pushing for it to move the next time they go in to session.”
The new work standards proposed by Local 727 include the following provisions:
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Limits on prescriptions filled per hour not to exceed 10 prescriptions
-
At least 10 pharmacy technician hours per 100 prescriptions
-
Require pharmacists to report dispensing errors
-
Require mandatory staffing levels at Illinois pharmacies that include one pharmacy tech per pharmacist at all times
-
Prohibit pharmacists from working no more than eight hours per day
-
Place a general prohibition on activities such as advertising or solicitation mandates that distract pharmacists from doing their job serving the public
-
Mandatory pharmacist paid rest breaks and meal periods
-
Language added to incorporate “whistleblower protection.”
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.
A pattern of broken commitments and delay tactics by Osco has soured the working relationship with Teamsters Local 727 and has made Osco unreliable, all because management refuses to work with the union. Currently, the union has one unfair labor practice charge pending before the National Labor Relations Board, 16 pending arbitrations and multiple grievances pending against the company. In just the last two years, three cases have gone to arbitration, resulting in a union winning record. This litany of what appears to be a complete disregard for the collective bargaining agreement has one common denominator: Osco’s refusal to work with the union in a productive manner.
The latest such occurrence happened Friday, April 21, 2017, when Osco and the union had a previously agreed-upon arbitration hearing date that was scheduled for Monday, April 24, now rescheduled for May 22. Based on the union’s review of documents provided by Osco, it appeared that Osco had misrepresented information to the union and underpaid employees who attended the mandatory meetings Osco held during the most recent contract negotiations. The union requested underlying documents which Osco claimed it could not provide in advance of Monday's hearing, which left the Parties no choice but to reschedule.
Once again, just like its behavior over new uniforms, Osco did not keep its word and is dragging its feet to cooperate with the union on providing information the union requested. As a result, Osco is facing yet another arbitration which, based on the evidence, could likely be decided in the union’s favor, just as was the case in the recent win concerning the marketing of flu clinics.
“It seems like a delay tactic; it seems like Osco wants to postpone another arbitration win for the union,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “The union will continue to stay focused and come to the table ready to fight for our members, like the recently sought city and state intervention into pharmacy work rules.”
Despite Osco’s actions, the union continues to put forth settlements to resolve these outstanding issues. Yet Osco continues to play games of delay, which the union believes are calculated and devious.
“When push comes to shove, Osco has clearly shown that it simply does not care about its employees,” Coli said. “While pharmacists come in every day to fulfil their contractual obligations, the company refuses to behave in a similar fashion. It’s pathetic, really.”
Local 727 Wins Arbitration Award for Osco Pharmacists
Company Ordered to ‘Cease and Desist’ Requirement that Pharmacists Solicit Outside Flu Clinics
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. The award would seem to dovetail with Illinois House Bill 2392 and the ordinance pending in Chicago’s City Council that calls for an overhaul of pharmacy work rules to prioritize customer/patient care.
“We’re extremely pleased that after careful review of the evidence along with testimony from one of our members that the arbitrator awarded in favor of the pharmacists,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “The award validates the fact that pharmacists ought to be performing patient-centric services rather than be engaged in marketing or acting as salespersons for the company.”
The grievance arose following the company’s email directive to pharmacists to “acquire a minimum of 2 NEW flu shot clinics/leads of at least 25 patients or more,” thus violating Section 2.10 of the collective bargaining agreement. The agreement specifically states that “the profession of pharmacy requires that the registered pharmacist devote his time and attention to the duties involving his special training and expertise; namely, receiving, filling and refilling prescriptions, consulting with physicians, patients, maintaining records, ordering prescriptions, and other pharmaceutical items involving professional competence.”
Melissa Henry, Osco pharmacy manager in Barrington, IL, testified that she had obtained outside flu clinic leads by searching directories, talking to coworkers who live in Barrington, and revisiting past leads. “This was valuable time wasted,” Henry said, “that could have been better spent doing my essential job duties, such as filling prescriptions and consulting with patients and their physicians.”
“I’m proud of Melissa and the courage she displayed by testifying,” Coli said. “It proves that the voice of the pharmacist, the person in the trenches, is crucial to winning these types of arbitrations. This win is another in a long line of wins the union has secured on behalf of our members, and we will continue to fight these non-pharmacy work requirements for as long as it takes to ensure better work conditions that benefit both pharmacists and their patients.”
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.
Instead of agreeing to provide better uniforms, Osco refused. As a result, the union stepped up to the plate and told Osco that, after contract
ratification, the union would find a supplier that
would provide better lab coats to the pharmacists.
As it said it would, 727 reached out to management and offered to find another uniform supplier, plus design and even purchase the coats for the pharmacists. Osco management did not object to this arrangement during negotiations, but after the Union followed up to resolve the issue, management changed its mind, saying that the employees can only wear the poor quality uniforms provided by Osco.
“Clearly, Osco’s word was meaningless during negotiations,” said John Coli Jr., President of Teamsters Local 727. “They are unwilling to do something so simple and basic to improve the working conditions of their employees. It’s beyond ridiculous that this is even an issue we have to spend valuable time on.”
The grievance is currently pending Step 1.
“Osco should reconsider our generous offer and resolve this issue immediately,” Coli said. “It would be of no cost to management and moreover, new uniforms that are designed according to the pharmacists’ wishes would improve their morale while also enhancing the Osco brand image. It’s a win-win for both sides.”
Members with questions should contact Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org.
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
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.
“We’re pleased that Alderman Burke has proposed this ordinance for deliberation,” said John Coli Jr., President of Teamsters Local 727. “It’s important that the council understands how pharmacists’ current work situation is putting them and the general public at real risk. Just as we’re doing at the State level, we are going to fight hard for this ordinance’s passage.”
For those not familiar with House Bill 2392 or who want a refresher, here is what it contains:
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Limits on prescriptions filled per hour not to exceed 10 prescriptions
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At least 10 pharmacy technician hours per 100 prescriptions
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Require pharmacists to report dispensing errors
-
Require mandatory staffing levels at Illinois pharmacies that include one pharmacy tech per pharmacist at all times
-
Prohibit pharmacists from working no more than eight hours per day
-
Place a general prohibition on activities such as advertising or solicitation mandates that distract pharmacists from doing their job serving the public
-
Mandatory pharmacist paid rest breaks and meal periods
-
Language added to incorporate “whistleblower protection.”
We want to hear your story. Please click on the following link and tell us how your work environment is harming your job performance and/or ability to serve the public most effectively.
http://teamsterslocal727.org/contact-us/
The union will continue to update pharmacy members as this bill progresses. Anyone with questions should contact Local 727 Osco Business Representative Zach Frankenbach at (847) 696-7500 or zach@teamsterslocal727.org, or Local 727 CVS Bargaining Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or melissa@teamsterslocal727.org.