Which RivCo Pharmacies Could On Strike?

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA —

Pharmacists at some of Southern California's major supermarket chains have voted to authorize a strike "should one become necessary ," union officials said Friday.

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"Last night, hundreds of United Food and Commercial Workers pharmacists represented by UFCW local unions across Southern California overwhelmingly authorized their bargaining committee to call for an Unfair Labor Practice strike ... in response to Ralphs' and Albertsons' alleged unlawful conduct during contract negotiations," the UFCW said in a statement Friday.

The vote does not necessarily mean a strike will occur. The union said the parties are scheduled to return to the bargaining table on Aug. 6-7.

The UFCW further said that bargaining has been ongoing for four months under an expired contract.

The UFCW represents nearly 800 pharmacists who work at Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons and Pavilions in California.

"Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions in Southern California have been actively engaged in good faith negotiations with the UFCW regarding our pharmacists since January," a company spokesperson told City News Service in an emailed statement.

"We respect the negotiation process and remain committed to continuing good faith negotiations with the union until we reach an agreement that is good for our associates, our customers, and our company. Our next bargaining sessions are scheduled for August 6 and 7. Our focus remains on providing exceptional service to our customers and fostering a positive working environment for our associates," the statement continued.

Representatives for Kroger, parent company of Ralphs, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday morning.

Where are the pharmacies in question located?

Albertsons has stores in Banning, Corona, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Riverside, Temecula, Wildomar and more.

Ralphs has stores in Cathedral City, Indio, Menifee, Murrieta, Riverside, Temecula,

Vons has stores in Corona, Eastvale, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sun City, Temecula and Temescal Valley.