Walgreens walkout: Your pharmacy might be closed next week

Employees at Walgreens and CVS pharmacies in the United States are calling for improved working conditions and patient safety by staging walkouts across the country. The planned action comes after pharmacy employees walked off the job at multiple CVS stores in the Kansas City area last week. At Walgreens, pharmacy employees say burdensome prescription and vaccination expectations are placing undue pressure on pharmacists and staff. Employees report falling behind and dealing with angry customers due to understaffing and inadequate training. Walgreens maintains that it has increased training for new pharmacists and made investments in its pharmacy team. CVS pharmacists also report severe understaffing, low pay, high vaccination quotas, little breaks, abusive management, and violent customers. The walkouts are part of a growing trend dubbed “pharmageddon” and have prompted discussions between company executives and employees. The walkouts by healthcare workers are expected to continue as they demand improved working conditions and patient care.