CVS Workers Strike Across Southern California – What's Behind the Growing Picket Lines?

Workers across seven CVS locations in Southern California are continuing to strike into the weekend, alleging unfair labor practices.

Thousands of workers are participating from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, who are demanding more fair pay and improved working conditions.

“A strike is always workers’ last resort when they are fighting for the contract they deserve, but CVS has engaged in multiple labor violations from allegedly unlawfully surveilling workers and retaliating against workers for union activity,” a spokesperson from the UFCW said in a statement. “All these actions hinder CVS workers from getting the contract they deserve, and are nothing more than an attempt to strong-arm workers into accepting an offer that is less than what they need to thrive in Southern California.”

Workers picket outside a Buena Park CVS store as a Southern California strike at the pharmacy chain continues on Saturday, Oct. 19. (KTLA)
Despite the store remaining open on Saturday, workers picketed outside the Buena Park CVS pleading for a better deal and for a raise. About 7,000 workers are participating in the strike, and that number can grow as Rite Aid pharmacy workers consider a strike of their own.

The union said the strike is supposed to last a few days, but workers could walk out again if the company doesn’t meet demands.

CVS has laid off thousands of corporate workers in recent months amid a restructure at the top.