KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. KNOW YOUR CONTRACT.

Our pharmacist contract is a powerful tool. Make sure you know the rights and protections you have fought for, and won.

🛡️ DEMOTION PROTECTIONS

Article 4, Section G

You cannot lose your seniority because of a demotion.

A pharmacy manager can only be demoted for just cause.

📄 OPEN PHARMACIST POSITIONS

Article 4, Section J

Open pharmacist positions must be posted internally and externally for at least one week.

Positions will be filled by the most qualified candidate.

When qualifications, skills, and abilities are equal, seniority decides who receives the position.

⏰ EXTRA PHARMACISTS & OVERTIME

Article 5(C)

Extra Pharmacists receive:

  • Straight-time pay for up to 10 hours worked in a day

  • Time-and-a-half (1½x) for all hours worked over 10 hours in a day

  • Applicable holiday premium pay when working on a holiday

Who is considered an Extra Pharmacist?
A Pharmacist who works two or fewer days per week, including a holiday week, and works at least 12 shifts per year.

📅 HOLIDAY ALLOWANCE

Article 7, Section B(1)

Full-time Pharmacists who do not work on a holiday will receive:

8 hours of holiday allowance, or up to 12 hours based on their regularly scheduled hours.

⌚ MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHEDULED HOURS

Article 14, Section T

Full-time and part-time Pharmacists can email their scheduler before the schedule is posted to express interest in additional straight-time hours.

When shifts are available, the Company must give preference to scheduling:

1. Full-time Pharmacists
2. Part-time Pharmacists
Before Extra Pharmacists

🎓 PHARMACY STUDENTS & EXTERNS

Article 14, General Conditions

Pharmacy students and externs can participate in approved educational or externship programs under the strict direction and supervision of a designated preceptor Pharmacist.

Important protections:

  • Students and externs cannot replace bargaining unit employees

  • Their use cannot result in layoffs, reduced hours, or displacement

  • They supplement learning and patient service, but do not replace bargaining unit work or regular shifts

  • The program is only allowed in pharmacies where a Pharmacist has agreed to be a preceptor

  • No more than one student at a time may be assigned to a pharmacy unless approved by the preceptor

    • The preceptor Pharmacist has discretion over the student's scheduling and supervision

⚠️ PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Article 3, Section F

The probationary period has been extended from:

60 DAYS → 90 DAYS

🏥Pharmacy Technicians

  • Things to know from pharmacy technician/clerk contract

    • Part-time employees with no restrictions are entitled to 28 hours per week.

    • The company agrees to maintain reasonable staffing levels that ensure efficient operation at the store. This also applies to the pharmacy department.

    • When scheduled employees call out, management will make reasonable efforts to call in qualified employees in that classification to fill those shifts.

⚖️California Pharmacy Laws & Workplace Rights

Suitable Seating

  • Employers must provide a seat when an employee requests one.

  • A doctor's note is not required.

AB 1286 – Workplace Safety

  • You have the right to report unsafe working conditions, including dangerous temperatures, vermin, and other hazards.

  • Notify management immediately.

  • If management does not respond within 24 hours, pharmacists may report the issue to the Board of Pharmacy at PharmacyAlert@dca.ca.gov.

AB 1503 – Pharmacy Practice

  • Immunization recommendations: Pharmacists follow a Standard of Care model rather than ACIP guidelines.

  • Pharmacist-to-technician ratio: The PIC determines staffing ratios, up to a maximum of 1:3.

  • Required documentation must be kept in the pharmacy.

Pharmacists may decline to perform services when:

  • They lack the necessary education, training, or medical information.

  • Performing the service could put patient safety at risk.

  • Pharmacy staffing is insufficient.

Staffing

  • The PIC makes staffing decisions.

  • If the PIC is unavailable, the pharmacist on duty makes staffing decisions based on workload.

Pharmacy Technician – Expanded Duties

Pharmacy technicians may:

  • Administer COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

  • Initiate and receive prescription transfers.

  • Accept prescription clarifications.

Important:

  • Vaccine recommendations must be made by a pharmacist.

  • All expanded duties must be performed under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.

  • A second technician must be available to perform standard technician duties.

Continuing Education (CE)

  • California pharmacists must complete 1 hour of cultural competency training covering LGBTQ+ populations, intersectionality, and racial disparities.

  • Certified pharmacy technicians have additional CE requirements (20 hours). Check with your certifying organization, such as PTCB or NHA ExCPT, for details.

Fair Workweek Laws

Applies to stores in the City of Los Angeles and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, subject to applicable coverage requirements.

  • Employers must provide work schedules at least 14 calendar days in advance.

  • Schedule changes made with less than 14 days' notice must be provided in writing.

  • Employees may decline certain last-minute schedule changes. Voluntary consent must be in writing.

  • Employers must provide additional pay for certain last-minute schedule changes (predictability pay).

Learn more:

Questions? Contact your UFCW 770 Union Representative: ufcw770.org/find-a-rep