Walgreens unionization or fair pay changes


Walgreens unionization or fair pay changes
The Issue
Dear Walgreens and Sycamore Partners,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the current state of pharmacy operations, the well-being of employees, and the overall treatment of staff within our organization. As a billion-dollar company, you should be providing a better, more supportive environment for your employees, rather than continuing to add layers of stress and dysfunction.
The "fast food" approach to healthcare has proven to be both impractical and dangerous. District managers continually press us on metrics we cannot control, given the extreme instability in our stores. This pressure, combined with the difficult task of training new hires—particularly those coming from Rite Aid with their completely different system—leads to ineffective service and mistakes. Many of our technicians do not even know the basics of pharmacy, and this gap in training is compromising patient safety.
Your employees are struggling to keep up, and the current situation is untenable. The merger with Rite Aid has severely disrupted workflow, leaving pharmacies in chaos. This has created a hostile work environment, with unsafe practices directly impacting the care we provide.
I, along with many of my colleagues, have personally endured verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and even threats of violence in the workplace. These actions are often triggered by the chaos created by long lines, overworked staff, and limited resources. Even more concerning, this aggression spills over into customer interactions, further escalating tensions. It is only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs, and the environment is becoming increasingly untenable.
The issue is compounded by constant cuts to hours, leaving us understaffed and struggling to meet our responsibilities. The pharmacy is already stretched thin, having to share hours with the front end, which only leads to more dysfunction.
Recently, the company announced the elimination of holiday pay for pharmacy employees, which is incomprehensible, given the essential role we play in patient care. Additionally, the cessation of PSSL leave and holiday pay for part-time employees—despite it still being an active policy—has left workers without much-needed support. Meanwhile, full-time employees are barely able to access benefits, if at all.
The solution to these problems is clear:
Increased hours and better staffing levels to ensure we can meet the needs of both our patients and our employees.
A meaningful wage increase (a 20-cent raise is inadequate), reflecting the critical work we do and the level of expertise required.
Continuation of PSSL and holiday pay, especially for pharmacy employees who have no choice but to work due to insufficient hours and store closures.
Improved security measures to protect staff from violence and ensure a safe working environment.
The current situation is untenable, and it is clear that the company is failing its frontline workers. A simple "thank you" email is not enough—it is belittling and dismissive of the immense challenges we face daily. This is a systemic issue that must be addressed promptly and meaningfully.
Many of us have considered walking out in solidarity, but we are choosing to raise this issue with you first because we care deeply about this company and the patients who rely on our services. However, if meaningful change is not implemented soon, we may have no other option but to explore unionization to ensure fair treatment, job security, and a more sustainable working environment.
We implore you to act with urgency and prioritize the well-being of your employees. We are human beings, not disposable pieces in a corporate machine. We deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

69
The Issue
Dear Walgreens and Sycamore Partners,
I am writing to express my deep concern about the current state of pharmacy operations, the well-being of employees, and the overall treatment of staff within our organization. As a billion-dollar company, you should be providing a better, more supportive environment for your employees, rather than continuing to add layers of stress and dysfunction.
The "fast food" approach to healthcare has proven to be both impractical and dangerous. District managers continually press us on metrics we cannot control, given the extreme instability in our stores. This pressure, combined with the difficult task of training new hires—particularly those coming from Rite Aid with their completely different system—leads to ineffective service and mistakes. Many of our technicians do not even know the basics of pharmacy, and this gap in training is compromising patient safety.
Your employees are struggling to keep up, and the current situation is untenable. The merger with Rite Aid has severely disrupted workflow, leaving pharmacies in chaos. This has created a hostile work environment, with unsafe practices directly impacting the care we provide.
I, along with many of my colleagues, have personally endured verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and even threats of violence in the workplace. These actions are often triggered by the chaos created by long lines, overworked staff, and limited resources. Even more concerning, this aggression spills over into customer interactions, further escalating tensions. It is only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs, and the environment is becoming increasingly untenable.
The issue is compounded by constant cuts to hours, leaving us understaffed and struggling to meet our responsibilities. The pharmacy is already stretched thin, having to share hours with the front end, which only leads to more dysfunction.
Recently, the company announced the elimination of holiday pay for pharmacy employees, which is incomprehensible, given the essential role we play in patient care. Additionally, the cessation of PSSL leave and holiday pay for part-time employees—despite it still being an active policy—has left workers without much-needed support. Meanwhile, full-time employees are barely able to access benefits, if at all.
The solution to these problems is clear:
Increased hours and better staffing levels to ensure we can meet the needs of both our patients and our employees.
A meaningful wage increase (a 20-cent raise is inadequate), reflecting the critical work we do and the level of expertise required.
Continuation of PSSL and holiday pay, especially for pharmacy employees who have no choice but to work due to insufficient hours and store closures.
Improved security measures to protect staff from violence and ensure a safe working environment.
The current situation is untenable, and it is clear that the company is failing its frontline workers. A simple "thank you" email is not enough—it is belittling and dismissive of the immense challenges we face daily. This is a systemic issue that must be addressed promptly and meaningfully.
Many of us have considered walking out in solidarity, but we are choosing to raise this issue with you first because we care deeply about this company and the patients who rely on our services. However, if meaningful change is not implemented soon, we may have no other option but to explore unionization to ensure fair treatment, job security, and a more sustainable working environment.
We implore you to act with urgency and prioritize the well-being of your employees. We are human beings, not disposable pieces in a corporate machine. We deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

69
Supporter Voices
Petition created on November 9, 2025
