Rite Aid Cuts Off Bargaining, Issues Unacceptable Final Offer

After only six bargaining sessions, Rite Aid management has issued a “final economic package proposal” that is both unfair and unacceptable.

Most of the bargaining that has taken place so far has revolved around the company’s demand to move employees from the UFCW health benefit plan to the Rite Aid Company plan. While the benefit structures and employee costs are nearly equal, such a move will eliminate union oversite and member input into future plan cost and design, jeopardizing your long-term benefit security.

The proposed plan also requires newly hired employees to work 30 hours per week to qualify for benefits, a likely sign as to what the company has planned for you in future contracts. Finally, the proposal will eliminate benefits for hundreds of retirees who are currently covered under the plan.

While the company’s wage offer is significant, it is only retroactive to January 2020 rather than the expiration of the previous contract, a proposal that would cheat you out of hundreds of dollars in backpay.

Many of your other concerns and issues are not addressed in the company’s so-called final offer. Clearly, there is more negotiating to be done and the only way to make that happen is to overwhelmingly reject the proposal and authorize a strike. Accordingly, all Rite Aid members will have the opportunity to ask questions and vote on Sunday, February 16 and Monday, February 17 between 10 AM and 4 PM at the following locations:

  • Hayward Union Hall – 28870 Mission Blvd.
  • Martinez Union Hall – 4121 Alhambra Ave.
  • Novato Union Hall – 85 Galli Drive Suite H
  • Salinas Union Hall – 1145 North Main St.
  • San Jose Union Hall – 240 S. Market St.
  • So. San Francisco Union Hall – 208 Miller Ave.
  • Vallejo -Teamster’s Union Hall – 445 Nebraska St.
  • Crescent City (02-16-20 only) – Ocean Front Lodge 100 A St., – Redwood Rm.
  • Eureka Union Hall/Labor Temple (02-17-20 only) – 840 E Street, Suite 8

It is critical that you cast your vote and let Rite Aid know that you are willing to fight for a fair contract.