Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Walgreens Pharmacy Workers' Walkout Shutters Some Stores
USA Today: Walgreens Pharmacists Stage Walkout Just Weeks After Similar Action By CVS Staffers
Just two weeks after dozens of CVS pharmacists protested unsafe working conditions by walking off the job in Kansas City, Walgreens pharmacists followed suit with their own walkout Monday that left stores shuttered or short-staffed across the nation’s second-largest retail pharmacy chain. The organizer estimated that several hundred pharmacists and pharmacy technicians participated in the protest, which will last through Wednesday. (Le Coz, 10/9)
Insider: Why Walgreens Pharmacy Workers Are Walking Off The Job
The concerted action appears to be organically organized, largely coordinated on Reddit and other social media platforms. On these sites, users described ongoing problems with unrealistic demands from Walgreens management. "We need more budget, more physical bodies of staffing, and adequate safety regulations for us to serve our customers," one Reddit post said. Protesting workers include pharmacists, technicians, and support staff. (Reuter, 10/9)
CNN: Walgreens Walkout: 5 Things You Need To Know
Some stores are remaining open with a skeleton emergency crew – an organizer told CNN that Walgreens had asked regional leaders to mobilize and staff the pharmacies on Monday. Many pharmacies that are open are severely understaffed as the majority of their employees called out today. Some stores said they were able to operate only their drive-thru pharmacy Monday and others said they would be closing early due to a lack of staff. (Goodkind, 10/9)
In related news —
AP: Pharmacist Shortages And Heavy Workloads Challenge Drugstores Heading Into Their Busy Season
A dose of patience may come in handy at the pharmacy counter this fall. Drug and staffing shortages haven’t gone away. Stores are starting their busiest time of year as customers look for help with colds and the flu. And this fall, pharmacists are dealing with a new vaccine and the start of insurance coverage for COVID-19 shots. Some drugstores have addressed their challenges by adding employees at busy hours. But experts say many pharmacies, particularly the big chains, still don’t have enough workers behind the counter. (Murphy, 10/7)
