Bargaining Updates

UFCW 1428 Contract Ratification Vote Overwhelming Passes! Your Albertsons/VONS 2 Year Agreement Has Been Ratified!

Your new two-year agreement with Albertsons/Vons has officially been ratified! Thank you for taking the time to vote and make your voice heard. Because of your solidarity and commitment to fighting for the contract you deserve, your new contract includes: 

• • A two-year contract aligning pharmacists with pharmacy technicians and grocery clerks for greater bargaining power
  • Wage increases of $5.50 an hour for staff pharmacists and $6.00 an hour for head pharmacists, with all raises coming within 6 months
  • Up to 12 hours of holiday pay based on regularly scheduled hours

 

From the first press conference in Los Angeles in March, to the candlelight vigil last month, to  the threat of a historic Unfair Labor Practices strike, pharmacists showed exactly what happens when they stand together and refuse to back down.

What pharmacists accomplished is bigger than a contract. It is evidence of the power you have when you stand together. You held the line as you faced disrespect from the companies, and made it clear that pharmacists would not be ignored or taken for granted.

You fought for your patients. You fought for your co-workers. You fought for your families. And you fought for the future of your profession.

Your win in this campaign proves that solidarity works, and it’s the key to building strength for the next contract campaign. 

And that campaign starts now. So continue to stay engaged with your stewards, coworkers, and your union throughout these next seventeen months. We’ll be in touch soon to strategize about next steps and how we achieve even greater success in 2028.

If you have any questions about how other Locals’ results affect your new contract, we are consulting with them to find the best path forward. If you have other questions about this campaign or contract, please contact your Union Representative or Bargaining Committee member.

  —————————————————-  

Pharmacists Electronic Voting – September 19 @ 9am until September 20 @ 6pm.

   

Updated 9/17/26 – 7:30 pm

Breaking Alert: We’ve Received an Improved Offer on our Albertsons/Vons, Pharmacy Contract = The ULP strike is ON PAUSE while we vote

September 17, 2026

Our First Wave of ULP Strikes Starts Friday, September 18 at 8 AM

(Once you are notified that we are on strike, do not report to your regular scheduled store. Pharmacists do not need to call out. Report directly to your assigned picket line, which will be sent to you on Friday morning.)

After nearly nine months of bargaining, the companies continue to disrespect pharmacists and our rights. We’ve authorized a ULP strike, and now it’s time to show the power of our solidarity.

Yesterday’s Know Before You Go webinars had an amazing turnout: over 500 pharmacists, ready to fight for their rights, were on the call.

In case you missed it, here’s everything you need to know:

All pharmacists at UFCW 1428 Vons/Albertsons will be out on a first wave of ULP strikes starting Friday, September 18 at 8 AM! Picketing will take place from 8 AM – 8 PM and the strike will run through Monday, September 21.

Know Where to Go

UFCW 1428 will notify Pharmacists early Friday morning (no later than 6am) where to report to the picket line. All pharmacists are on strike, but not every location will have a picket line. You will be assigned a specific location to picket.  Make sure you sign in and out for the day.

Do Not Walk Off The Job Until You Have Been Notified 

Once you are notified that we are on strike, do not report to your store. Pharmacists do not need to call out. Report directly to your assigned picket line, again, which will be sent to you on Friday morning.

Show Up. Stay United.

Picket every day you are able. If you are unable to picket every day, at least picket  the shifts you would normally be scheduled for. Bring your family and friends. Everyone who stands with us makes our message stronger. Wear your lab coat, UFCW GOLD T-Shirt or union shirt, and comfortable shoes. This is a moving picket line, so be prepared to get your steps in! Show up early, so you can be ready to picket right at 8am. We want our lines to start strong. Bring water or refillable water container, sunscreen, and any other items you normally pack for your work day. Different Locals will have different plans. So, follow 1428 here and on Social Media.

This Is Only the First Wave

Every pharmacist needs to come out and show their resolve on the picket line. This first wave is an important step in demonstrating our collective power. It may not be the last.

The companies continue to commit ULPs, including conduct connected to the offer pharmacists recently rejected. We will continue evaluating our next steps, including additional waves of strikes.

Our goal is clear: use our collective strength to demand the companies respect our rights at the bargaining table.

Members of Other Locals

Different locals have made different decisions about their contracts. If you belong to another local and are scheduled to work at a location with an active picket line, contact your local immediately.

Members of other locals are also welcome to volunteer on our picket lines in solidarity, in their time off. 

Stay Ready. Stay Connected. Watch for communications from UFCW 1428 and follow the instructions you receive. If you have questions about your individual situation, contact your Union representative.

—————————-

September 15, 2026 

Local 1428 Pharmacists Voted No

UFCW 1428 Albertsons/Vons pharmacists rejected the companies’ offer. Stay connected for next steps This is not a pooled vote; each local will post its own results, which may differ from Local 1428. 

Make sure you stay informed and connected with your own Local on next steps. 

Join a “Know Before You Go” meeting on Wednesday September 16 at 7am or 9pm:

Register for the 7am meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9QpK4CuhRMuEdUHUK9XSfg#/

Register for the 9pm meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UQ3S7OqqTYupqLmkjKsJSw#/registration

————————————————————————————————-

September 14, 2026

Employer Comprehensive Offer – Pharmacists electronic vote starts on Monday, September 14 at 7AM until Tuesday, September 15 at 7PM.

---

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

• Pharmacy Clerks and Pharmacy Techs:

Learn how you can support your pharmacist’s picket line and your rights during an impending ULP strike. Join us on a Zoom September 14th or September 15th.   September 14th – 6pm – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Gg0u1G32RNqkA1QhLV1O3g September 15th – 9am – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mKJatHz-TxqFMSaXmaBCyw

• Pharmacists:

MFA Rph Know before you go

Wednesday, September 16th

7am – https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9QpK4CuhRMuEdUHUK9XSfg 9pm – https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UQ3S7OqqTYupqLmkjKsJSw —————————————————————————————

September 11, 2026

We’ve received an offer from Albertsons/Vons ————-

September 9, 2026 — Webinar Thursday, September 10 @ 7AM or 9PM

Stay informed! Join us for bargaining updates, and all the details about a potential ULP strike.

The company made NO proposal in 15 hours! We bargained all day and into the night on 9/8, but we’re no closer to a fair contract. The company’s insulting proposal remains just $5.25 over three years, and they won’t return to bargaining until September 28.

The company continues to disrespect and intimidate members, make unilateral changes, unlawfully surveil contract campaign activity, and withhold information needed for bargaining.

We’re not backing down. We’re ready!

Register now for September 10th:

• 7AM: Zoom Webinar Registration
• 9PM: Zoom Webinar Registration

Remember: Your bargaining committee—not the company—is the best source of information. Nothing is official unless it comes from us.

Questions? Contact your Bargaining Committee Member, Steward, or Union Representative ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August 31, 2026 – Next Bargaining Date, September 8th

We’re READY!

On August 30th, hundreds of pharmacists, customers, allies, and union siblings came out to our candlelight vigil to support our fight for a fair contract and safe staffing protections to prevent further harm to our communities. After a huge turnout that demonstrated our power, our readiness for a ULP strike, and our support from customers and patients, we returned to the bargaining table today, August 31st. But instead of engaging in serious conversations about settling these negotiations, the company continued to waste our time at the bargaining table by offering $1.75 a year over three years, for a total of $5.25 with no retro pay, and a failure to understand the basic theory of what a retirement benefit is supposed to do.   Albertsons and Ralphs are not living in reality if they think this proposal is anywhere near the wages, benefits, and staffing protections that we and our customers need, or that demonstrates the value we bring to their companies. And while we’ve been at the table trying to reach a deal, they’ve been breaking the law, intimidating members by making unilateral changes without bargaining, unlawfully surveilling members who have been active in the contract campaign, and failing to provide information necessary for bargaining. Their illegal activity is making it more difficult for us to negotiate a fair agreement. It’s time for Ralphs and Albertsons to stop violating their workers’ rights, acknowledge our collective power and come back to the negotiating table with fair contract offers that truly reflect the value of our essential healthcare services and the company’s financial success. We will be back at the table September 8th.  Stay united and stay informed.  When we fight, we win!

August 19, 2026

RSVP Now for August 30th, Safe Staffing Candlelight Vigil

August 7, 2026

• We will return to bargaining on August 31st and September 1st. In the meantime, we must keep up the pressure. 
• We will hold a Zoom meeting on Sunday, August 16th at 7pm Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NFRKiKpSQT2xu_yxDx5ASA

Two more days of fighting for the contract we deserve – Customers confronted the companies, picket signs were made, and our determination grew For the first time since we authorized an Unfair Labor Practice strike, we met with Albertsons and Ralphs for two long days filled with intense conversations. After the overwhelming vote, and weeks of being out in front of stores talking to customers about where to transfer their prescriptions in the event of a labor dispute, it’s clear momentum is on our side. The companies also heard from two patients about their frustration with the lack of adequate pharmacy staffing, and their fierce loyalties to the pharmacists who care for them. They told the companies that if they continue to commit unfair labor practices that are preventing us from getting the contract we – and our patients – deserve, they’ll transfer their prescriptions to another union pharmacy. And they’re not alone. Nearly 80% of patients in a survey said the same.  What the companies don’t want to hear is that patients have our backs. They’re loyal to us, not the brand, and they’re preparing with us to stand up against disrespect. Yesterday, those patients, as well as many of our siblings across our locals, joined us to make picket signs. The companies are scared of the power we’re showing, and have begun to train temporary pharmacists in preparation for a potential labor dispute. If you’re asked to train another pharmacist, it’s important to know your rights and inform your representative immediately. What’s Next

• We will return to bargaining on August 31st and September 1st. In the meantime, we must keep up the pressure. 

• Bargaining committee members and union representatives will be in your stores to talk with you about our next steps and get your feedback.
• We will hold a Zoom meeting on Sunday, August 16th at 7pm Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NFRKiKpSQT2xu_yxDx5ASA

Stay tuned for our next action in the campaign to get a fair contract.  If you have any questions about what’s happening at the table, the ULP strike authorization, or anything else, reach out to your Bargaining Committee Member, Steward, or Union Representative.   ————————————————–

July 16, 2026

We Voted YES! ULP Strike Authorization Overwhelmingly Passes!

Hundreds of UFCW Pharmacists at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions represented by UFCW local unions across Southern California have overwhelmingly voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike. This vote sends a strong message: We’ve had enough of Ralphs’ and Albertsons’ unlawful union-busting tactics that undermine pharmacists and silence our voices.

Grocery pharmacists have been working for four months with an expired contract and Ralphs and Albertsons have refused to make us a fair offer. And while we’ve been at the table trying to reach a deal, they’ve been breaking the law, intimidating members by making unilateral changes without bargaining, unlawfully surveilling members who have been active in the contract campaign, and failing to provide information necessary for bargaining.

Their illegal activity is making it more difficult for us to negotiate a fair agreement. It’s time for Ralphs and Albertsons to stop violating their workers’ rights, acknowledge our collective power and come back to the negotiating table with fair contract offers that truly reflect the value of our essential healthcare services and the company’s financial success.

A ULP Strike Authorization DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ON STRIKE. All contract provisions/protections remain in place while we are negotiating, including your health insurance. You should continue to go to work according to your work schedule until an official representative of the union notifies you that a strike impacting your store has started. It’s very important to stay in touch with your steward and union rep who will be communicating information to members in the stores about actions and next steps in real time. IF YOU WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE THE UNION DECLARES A STRIKE, YOU CAN BE DISCIPLINED AND/OR TERMINATED.

What’s next?

Our next bargaining sessions are set for August 6th and August 7th. We are asking all pharmacists who are able to come to bargaining to show the company that we are united and we’re not backing down. 

Bargaining Session Info

• Dates: Thursday, August 6 and/or Friday, August 7
• Time: Anytime between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: UFCW Local 324 • 8530 Stanton Avenue • Buena Park • CA • 90622-5004

---

Call to ACTION!

UFCW 1428 Pharmacist ULP Strike Vote – Wednesday, July 15th @ 7am through Thursday, July 16th@7pm

You will receive a secure electronic link by text and/or email to vote!  Please contact your Union Rep or the Membership Department if you do not receive a vote. MFA RPh ULP Handout FINAL RPh ULP Negotiations Update FINAL   —————————————————————————————–  

July 1, 2026

Ralphs & Albertsons/Vons Are Breaking the Law — ULP Strike Votes Coming After two days of bargaining, Ralphs and Albertsons continue to dismiss our value and refuse to bargain in good faith. They’ve committed multiple Unfair Labor Practices:

•  Intimidating members by making unilateral changes without bargaining
•  Unlawful surveillance of members who have been active in the contract campaign
•  Failure to provide information necessary for bargaining. 

These violations make it harder for us to advocate for ourselves and for our patients. We will be holding Unfair Labor Practice strike authorization votes in the coming weeks. We need every pharmacist to participate and vote YES to show the companies we are united and serious about winning a fair contract.  Frequently asked questions about a ULP Strike Please join the informational Zoom meeting for details on the vote, your rights, and the companies’ current proposal: Pharmacists Bargaining Update Meeting Sunday, July 12th at 7pm Register Here: bit.ly/3QuYOrW Patients have already and continue to voice frustration with chronic understaffing, long lines, and safety concerns. They support us—and now we must show Ralphs and Albertsons that we mean business. Participate in your local ULP strike vote and vote YES!   ———————————————-

When we FIGHT we WIN!

June 5, 2026

Sign up NOW for the June 11th customer engagement!

May 12, 2026 

Register NOW for the May 27th Zoom meeting at 8:30pm!

“Pharmacists need a contract that reflects their value” – Our patients stand with us We met with Albertsons and Ralphs for two days of bargaining this week and not much movement was made. We’ve told them over and over that staffing is a huge priority for not just us, but also our patients, and they don’t seem to care.  So we took our fight to the stores. Today, our bargaining committee members were joined by customers and co-workers, as well as pharmacists not on the bargaining committee in front of the Albertsons in Buena Park. The turnout was HUGE to talk to patients, and survey them about wait times, staffing conditions, and medication safety. Actions will continue next week, after which, we’ll release the results of the in-person survey. (Spoiler alert: patients hate understaffed pharmacies as much as we do!) The companies aren’t offering any bargaining dates until June 30th & July 1st. Why? Because they don’t feel a need to make any movement until they see more engagement from more pharmacists. ACTION ITEMS!

• Continue wearing your buttons and lanyards.
• Keep talking to patients and asking them to fill out the survey.

_______________________________

April 24, 2026

We spent two days this week with Ralphs and Albertsons bargaining the new contract. The companies are dragging their feet, wasting our time and theirs. They tried to justify lower pay for grocery pharmacists, comparing you to CVS and other retail pharmacists, by saying you don’t work as hard as they do. But we set the record straight. We made it clear that while all union pharmacists play a critical role in patient care, grocery pharmacists take on a broader scope of responsibilities, with heavier workloads and a wider range of services. This includes administering specialty injections, managing high-volume flu vaccination seasons, handling travel medications, prescribing hormonal contraceptives, and often working with cross-trained clerks instead of dedicated technicians. These differences, along with many others, make it clear that this comparison does not reflect the full reality of your work. What do you think the companies’ response was? They didn’t care.  Earlier this year, we put out a patient survey that examined wait times, service conditions, and medication safety. We want more patients to fill out that survey so we can show the companies that what we’re asking for is also needed by their patients. We will soon distribute buttons with QR codes to the survey. Please wear one every shift to start conversations with your patients and ask them to fill out the survey to join the contract fight. Every response ensures safer conditions and better care for your patients and yourselves. We have new bargaining dates on May 11 and 12. We’ll send another update after those sessions. If you have any questions about bargaining, please contact your Union Representative. In Solidarity, Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee  ——————————————

April 17, 2026

Hundreds of Petitions Signed and Delivered  Last week, the company presented an insulting wage proposal, and today, they came back with another inadequate proposal; they added only an additional 25 cents. In response, we delivered hundreds of petitions signed by our co-workers across Southern California, a powerful show of unity that made it clear we are organized, we are watching, and we will not accept less than we deserve. We deserve more than $3.25 over three years, and it’s time we make Ralphs and Albertsons realize that.  What do we do to show Ralphs and Albertsons that we mean business? Join us on an all Southern California UFCW pharmacist call on Sunday April 19 at 7:00 PM to hear exactly what’s happening at negotiations with Ralphs and Albertsons and discuss future actions from the best source – us – your bargaining committee. We’ll be talking about the company’s attitude at the bargaining table, what their proposals are, and what we’re fighting for.  Look out for a call from (213) 487-7070 on Sunday at 7:00 PM — make sure you answer! Bargaining resumes Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, and we’ll send you another update after those sessions. In the meantime, let’s continue to pressure the companies. You’ll hear more on Sunday, but we’re going to start ramping up conversations with patients.  If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards.  In Solidarity, Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee  —————————

April 7, 2026

Pharmacists Speak Out. Companies Refuse to Move Real stories. Real demands. A quarter is not enough. Today, we, the pharmacists on the bargaining committee, made it clear the current conditions are not sustainable and the offer we received yesterday from Ralphs and Albertsons doesn’t cut it.  We stood in front of the companies to speak about our struggles to meet growing demands while representing our companies in our communities. We shared our anger and frustration with the conflicting demands of filling prescriptions, answering phones, and managing patient care without adequate ancillary support. We also shared the challenges inherent in providing the many new clinical and specialty services to our communities, including drug rehabilitation programs and assisted living facilities.  Our message was consistent. It is hard to keep up. Staffing is insufficient. Wages are not keeping up with inflation, or the level of responsibility pharmacists carry. This is not just a job. It is a profession, and it deserves to be treated like one. After hearing these realities, the companies only added $0.25 to their insulting offer from yesterday. The new offer is $1.00 in the first year, $1.00 in the second, and $1.00 in the third which is still barely above 1% per year.  Ralphs and Albertsons are not improving their offer because they believe we will not push back and they can continue to take advantage of us. What happens next depends on all of us. What’s next Currently union representatives, bargaining committee members and SPURs are in our stores gathering petitions. This is an important way to show the companies that we are willing to fight for wages that reflect our professional knowledge and role in the companies. This is our opportunity to show that EVERY pharmacist is standing together for what we deserve. If you or your co-workers haven’t signed the petition, reach out to your union representative.  Bargaining resumes Friday, April 17, and we’ll send you another update then. In the meantime, let’s continue to pressure. Sign the petition. Talk to your co-workers. Wear your buttons. Show the companies we are united and ready to fight for the contract we deserve. In Solidarity, Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee  ___________________________

April 6, 2026

This is not a serious wage proposal!! Albertsons and Ralphs left our bargaining session in March afraid to share a wage proposal because we would call it insulting. They were right. Today they showed us the offensive offer – just $1 in the first year, $0.75 cents in the second, and $1 in the third!  This adds up to just over 1% per year, while inflation has risen far more than that over the past four years! For comparison, your co-workers in the front of the store won 13-22% in their contract over three years, and pharmacists with Kaiser just ratified a contract that delivers 21.5% raises over four years. What’s worse, there’s no retro pay! This proposal is a slap in the face, to say the least, and doesn’t even come close to respecting our contributions to our companies.  Bargaining continues tomorrow, and we’ll have another update for you then. Make sure you send this update to your co-workers to let them know what the companies think of our contributions. Continue to wear your buttons in the stores and sign the petitions being circulated to show Ralphs and Albertsons we’re united for the contract we have earned and deserve.  In Solidarity, Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee ————————————————————————————–

March 20, 2026

We’re Still Waiting…for a Wage Proposal from Ralphs and Albertsons  Today we met with Albertsons and Ralphs for the first time in over a month and while we were able to confirm that the pharmacists will continue to get the health benefits that were negotiated in the clerk’s agreement, they barely moved on the issues important to us.  This is extremely disappointing, as it’s clear our patients, and ourselves, deserve movement on staffing. At a press conference on March 2, 2026, pharmacists released new survey results from grocery pharmacy patients examining wait times, service conditions, and medication safety. Results of the survey show that:

• Nearly 59% say lines have increased at their pharmacy in the past four years
• Almost half (48%) report waiting more than 10 minutes for service
• About one in nine patients (11.9%) say they have received a medication error

You can read more about this survey here: Patients Sound the Alarm The companies have committed to provide economic proposals at our next bargaining sessions on April 6 and 7, 2026. If Albertsons and Ralphs are going to get serious about negotiating for a fair contract that delivers fair and competitive wages, secure retirement benefits, safe staffing levels and sustainable workloads, it’s critical that the companies hear from every pharmacist.  That’s why your Stewards, Union Representatives, and Bargaining Committee members will be circulating a petition in every one of our pharmacies in the coming weeks. Sign the petition, because now is the time to ensure your voice is heard. Continue to wear your union buttons and lanyards to show our solidarity and power. The more we participate in actions like the March 2 press conference, stay involved in bargaining by joining calls, and stand together, the more power we have at the table to negotiate for the contract we deserve.  We have more bargaining sessions scheduled for April 6 and 7, 2026, and we’ll send another update after those meetings. In the meantime, if you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards.  Lastly, UFCW has a website for our professional division: https://www.ufcwprofessionaldivsion.org/. Visit this site to read the minutes from our Professional Relations Committee meetings with the companies, file a complaint against your pharmacy’s non-compliance with California’s pharmacy laws, and more.  Join UFCW for Continuing Education to support your professional development needs. This CE class will teach you about the latest updated pharmacy laws and how to stay in compliance with the California Board of Pharmacy. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11AM UFCW 770 630 Shatto Place Los Angeles, CA 90005 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGRxd5AYhNJhk1GHCVqjBdMi5Y3U2FF6R6HDWPMnFK8PqSsQ/viewform In Solidarity, Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee ——————————————

March 17, 2026

The California Board of Pharmacy is discussing remote processing in its Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 9 AM. UFCW is asking our member pharmacists to submit public comments on the issue. There are two ways you can submit your comment:

• Submit a comment to Debbie.Damoth@dca.ca.gov before Wednesday, March 18 at 9 AM. A sample comment is below:

Dear California Board of Pharmacy, 

Every day, California’s pharmacists ensure safe, accurate, and timely care for our patients. All the while being tasked with filling more prescriptions, taking on more responsibilities, and facing more pressure. Without the staff that is needed to provide safe, high-quality care, our patients are put at risk.  Our profession is already facing critical staffing shortages, and the solution is strengthening pharmacist staffing, not remote processing.  Remote processing prioritizes our employers’ bottom lines over our patients. Patients deserve access to pharmacists for phone calls, counseling, and clinical services. Sincerely,  [Your Name]

• Join the meeting and give your public comment verbally during the meeting. You may remain anonymous during the meeting. 

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE FROM A REMOTE LOCATION BY JOINING THE MEETING VIA WEBEX:  Join the meeting by clicking here.  If joining using the link above, Webinar number: 2494 903 4195, Webinar password: CSBP318. If joining by phone, +1-415-655-0001 US Toll Access code: 2494 903 4195, Passcode: 2727318 

———————————————-

February 19, 2026

Some Progress, but More Work Needed – Make Your Voice Heard Over the past two days we met with Ralphs and Albertsons for our third bargaining session. We’ve had some good conversations with the companies on language changes and were able to reach tentative agreements on a job bidding process and just cause protections around demotions as well as 12-hour holiday pay for 12-hour pharmacists. But we’re still far apart on a lot of issues – especially since we’re still waiting for Albertsons and Ralphs to respond on very important issues like wages, benefits and ensuring we have the appropriate staffing levels. It’s clear that Ralphs and Albertsons need to feel the pressure from us and our patients, community supporters and co-workers in the front of the store.  What can we do to make our voices heard? Join our campaign kick-off press conference on March 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Ralphs on 3410 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Bring your co-workers, friends and family! Talk to your union representative or bargaining committee members to make a plan to attend. Register for the event here: https://ufcw324.org/grocery-pharmacy-press-conference-rsvp/ Wear your union buttons and lanyards to show your solidarity and power. If you haven’t received your button or lanyard, reach out to your steward or representative. The contract we come away with at the end of this campaign will be determined by how much we all get involved. We’re all burnt out and fatigued, and this puts our patients at risk. These contract negotiations are where we can fix that. Get involved. Join events. Talk to your patients. Show Albertsons and Ralphs that we’re standing together to get the contract we deserve and our patients are relying on. We have another bargaining session scheduled for March 20, 2026, where we’ll be joined by a federal mediator. We’ll reach out with another update after that session. If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards.  In Solidarity, Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee 

—————————

February 13, 2026

Albertsons and Ralphs Came to Make Cuts, Not to Bargain as Our Contract Nears Expiration Today we met with Ralphs and Albertsons for our second bargaining session. We spent the afternoon hearing the companies’ responses to our proposals and the changes they want to see in the contract. At our last session, we made our priorities known to Ralphs and Albertsons, but the companies only came today to whittle away on the protections we have in the contract. And they didn’t even respond to some of our most important issues like wages, benefits, and staffing. Our contract expires on March 1, and it’s time to fight to make our jobs and our lives better. We will not accept a contract that is anything less than what we deserve. Whether we’re at the bargaining table or in our pharmacies, we have the power to show Ralphs and Albertsons that we’re serious about our proposals and that we’re ready to stand together to get a strong contract. We’ve shown up on the Kaiser picket lines in the past week to show solidarity with the 34,000 nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals who are already striking. This is our fight, so let’s show our companies that we are united and we’re willing to fight for ourselves, our co-workers, our patients, and our communities! Join our campaign kick-off press conference on March 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Ralphs on 3410 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Talk to your union representative or bargaining committee members to make a plan to attend. Register for the event here: https://ufcw324.org/grocery-pharmacy-press-conference-rsvp/ Wear your union buttons and lanyards to show your solidarity and power. If you haven’t received your button or lanyard, reach out to your steward or representative. We have bargaining sessions scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday, February 18-19, after which we will send you another update. If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards. In Solidarity, Your Pharmacist Bargaining Committee

——————

January 27, 2026 

What happened during our first pharmacist contract bargaining session?  Plus next steps to get the contract you deserve Today, we met with Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions for our first day of bargaining on our pharmacist contract. We showed up with the largest bargaining committee we’ve ever had to get the contract we deserve and fight against company policies that burn us out and put us at risk of errors that could harm our patients.  We began the bargaining session by presenting all of our proposals, including wages that keep up with inflation and are comparable to what other retail pharmacists earn, sufficient staffing to support safe patient care, and improvements to our pension so we can retire with dignity. The companies didn’t have any of their own proposals ready to discuss today, however we encourage them to take the time between now and our next meeting to think about the value we bring to their companies and provide fair responses to our proposals. Pharmacists are already stretched to the limit. Despite inadequate staffing, we manage long lines and nonstop phone calls and ensure prescriptions are filled accurately and on time. Even in the middle of flu season and with growing demands, pharmacists continue to put patient care first.  Patients deserve more. So do we. It’s time our companies put us first. Standing together, whether we’re at the bargaining table or in our pharmacies, will show Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions that we have the power to fight to make our jobs better and that we’re serious about our proposals. What’s Next?  We will be scheduling new bargaining dates with the companies soon, and we will send you another update after that session. In the meantime, here’s how you can show Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions that we’re united for the contract we deserve:

1. Due to the ongoing Kaiser ULP strike, we’re transforming our February 5 press conference. In solidarity with striking UNAC/UHCP Kaiser pharmacists and UFCW Kaiser pharmacy employees, we’re joining them on the picket lines to bring awareness of how both Kaiser and retail grocery pharmacists need appropriate staffing to keep themselves and their patients safe.

WHEN: February 5 at 10AM WHERE: Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center, at 4867 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 RSVP for the event here Talk to your union representative or bargaining committee members to make a plan to attend. 

1. Wear your union buttons and lanyards to show your solidarity and power. Only by rising up together will we win the contract we deserve. Show the company that we are united and we’re willing to fight for ourselves, our co-workers, our patients, and our communities. If you haven’t received your button or lanyard, reach out to your steward or representative.

1. Follow UFCW 1428’s website and social media accounts! These platforms will house the most up-to-date information. Pharmacist members can find bargaining updates and other content about the contract there, so make sure you and all of your co-workers follow the accounts to stay informed. 

If you have any questions about bargaining or if there is anything else we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Bargaining Committee Members, Union Representatives or Stewards.  In Solidarity, Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee