Pharmacy employees at some US Walgreens stores are planning a walkout in response to what they call burdensome prescription and vaccination expectations placed on pharmacists. According to a report by CNN, the walkout is expected to take place between Monday and Wednesday, with some employees planning to walk out for one day and others intending to close their pharmacies for all three days.
The walkout is organized by pharmacy employees who are frustrated with the increasing demands on pharmacists and their support staff. The employees argue that they are facing overwhelming expectations when it comes to filling prescriptions and administering vaccinations. They believe that these expectations are not only burdensome but also detrimental to their ability to provide proper care to patients.
Walgreens, in response to the planned walkout, stated that they are engaged and listening to the concerns raised by their team members. The company also mentioned that they are making significant investments in pharmacist wages and hiring bonuses to attract and retain talent in more challenging locations.
This is not the first healthcare sector strike that the US has witnessed recently. In what is being called the biggest ever US healthcare sector strike, 75,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses, medical technicians, and support staff walked off the job for 72 hours. The strike ended on Friday as the two sides agreed to resume contract talks. However, union officials have warned of possible further walkouts.
The planned walkout by Walgreens pharmacy employees highlights the growing tension in the healthcare sector regarding working conditions and expectations. Many employees feel overwhelmed and are demanding better support to ensure quality patient care. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for employers and employees to find common ground and create a working environment that is conducive to both patient care and the well-being of healthcare professionals.