Walgreens pharmacists are planning a nation-wide walkout in protest of worsening working conditions. The walkout is scheduled to take place at the end of October and may include pharmacists from other well-known pharmacy chains. Pharmacists claim to be overworked and understaffed, with high expectations and a demanding workload. Recent smaller-scale walkouts have already affected customers’ access to care, prompting warnings to plan accordingly for potential walkouts at the end of this month.
The walkouts are expected to have a significant impact on Walgreens, as the pharmacy segment generates the majority of its revenue. While there have been previous pharmacist walkouts, this organized and large-scale protest is unprecedented. Pharmacists have expressed concerns about patient safety, as well as their own well-being, citing instances of being understaffed and overworked, leading to dangerous situations where patients go days or weeks without necessary medications.
The walkout organizers have been in talks with potential labor unions and plan to hold rallies in areas with the highest number of walkouts. Walgreens has stated that the previous walkouts only had minor operational disruptions, but there is no telling how this larger-scale protest will impact customers, particularly those in need of medication. Customers are advised to plan accordingly and ensure they have an adequate supply of necessary medications. Walgreens has acknowledged the concerns raised by their pharmacists and stated their commitment to providing support and resources for their pharmacy team’s well-being while continuing to provide the best care to patients.
