On Dec. 22, workers at a CVS Pharmacy store in Spring Valley, Calif., voted to join UFCW Local 135 for workplace protections during this pandemic, joining colleagues at 57 other CVS Pharmacy stores that are represented by the local. The vote was conducted online and tallied by a representative of the National Labor Relations Board.
These workers joined our union family because they were concerned about workplace safety conditions as COVID-19 cases continue to spike in California. These workers also want quarantine pay if they get sent home, free coronavirus testing, hazard pay, seniority, a grievance procedure, and other needed benefits. Now, they will have the opportunity to address these concerns at the bargaining table.
This worker victory at Spring Valley CVS Pharmacy comes on the heels of a blatant anti-union campaign initiated by the company. To disrupt the organizing drive at the Spring Valley store, CVS hired an anti-worker consulting firm, posted anti-union propaganda in the breakroom, interrogated employees, and frequently utilized intimidation tactics in the hopes of changing the minds of the majority of employees at that location that wanted to join our union. Although the company attempted to break the fledgling organizing drive early in the process, the workers ultimately prevailed.
“In the midst of this pandemic, workers see the value in belonging to a union,” said UFCW Local 135 President Todd Walters. “Today, the workers at CVS Pharmacy in Spring Valley have chosen to be represented by UFCW Local 135. This is a victory for these essential workers that are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic!”