Mediation begins for Shoppers Drug Mart negotiations (store #272, Vancouver)

The Union Negotiating Committee and representatives from Shoppers Drug Mart met with Labour Relations Board Mediator Mark Atkinson on June 30th to continue negotiations for a new collective agreement for members employed at Store #272 in Vancouver. 

Most of the day was spent addressing non-monetary items and some minor progress was made in this area.

The Union also raised the issue of the impending regulatory changes that will produce a new classification of known as “Registered Pharmacy Technician”. This newly created classification will carry with it increased duties and qualification standards. (Pharmacy Technicians are overseen by the College of Pharmacists in British Columbia, and further information on this issue can be obtained at this link from the College of Pharmacists website: http://tinyurl.com/25fmrhw) 

The Union wants to ensure current Pharmacy Technicians are protected from a loss of hours arising from these coming changes, and that they have the first option to fill vacancies for the new position, provided they upgrade their qualifications to the level that will be required. We also want to negotiate a wage scale that is appropriate for the job and in line with the rest of the industry. (Similar language has already been agreed to by Overwaitea and Canada Safeway.)

Shoppers Drug Mart has refused to address this issue and is rejecting the Union’s proposal.

This should be of great concern to current Pharmacy Technician UFCW 1518 members who could find their livelihoods threatened if they were not to be covered by the protections contained in the union's proposal. UFCW Local 1518 will continue to vigorously pursue this proposal as the regulatory changes draw nearer.

Late in the day, the Union Negotiating Committee tabled a specific wage proposal seeking wage increases that would put Shoppers Drug Mart pay scales in the range of what is needed to earn a living wage in BC.

UFCW 1518 members at Shoppers 272 live in the heart of Vancouver, where the cost of living is among the highest in Canada.

Shoppers Drug Mart is among the most profitable retailers in Canada, yet the wages it pays rs lag behind those paid to UFCW 1518 members at other retail operations. The Union Committee has made it clear to the employer they know the business is very profitable, and that the members in the store should be rewarded for their contribution to this success. 

The next mediation meeting has been set for July 13th .