Calls on State Workforce Agencies in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to Intervene
Washington, D.C. — As CVS prepapes for their hearing on the sale of the Rite Aid pharmacies today in bankruptcy court, The Pharmacy Guild/IAM, a national voice for pharmacy professionals, is sounding the alarm over widespread layoffs and pharmacy closures stemming from the ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Rite Aid and the subsequent acquisition of numerous locations by CVS Health. The Guild is calling on workforce agencies in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to take immediate action to protect pharmacy professionals, preserve continuity of care for patients, and hold CVS accountable during this corporate transition, in anticipation of the sale’s approval.
In letters sent today to workforce officials in all three states, the Guild highlighted that:
- In Washington, 131 Bartell Drugs pharmacy professionals and store associates were recently laid off, even as CVS moves to acquire dozens of locations previously operated by Bartell and Rite Aid. Read the full letter here.
- In Oregon, over 135 layoffs occurred in 2023, and 12 stores have already closed in 2024, with more closures expected. Full details here.
- In Idaho, at least two Rite Aid stores have shuttered, with further closures looming. Read the letter here.
“CVS Health cannot be allowed to use this acquisition to slash jobs, force pharmacy professionals to reapply for their positions, or undercut patient access to care,” said Shane Jerominski, cofounder of The Pharmacy Guild/IAM. “Our members have dedicated their careers to serving patients. As these transitions occur, there must be fair treatment, transparency, and respect for the frontline healthcare workers holding these communities together.”
The Guild is calling for the following key safeguards to be implemented in each affected state:
- Prevent layoffs at acquired locations;
- Guarantee employment continuity by not requiring current workers to reapply for their jobs;
- Offer employment to former Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs pharmacists and technicians at CVS-run stores to help address the chronic understaffing of community pharmacies;
- Mandate that CVS Health bargain with union representatives to prevent job loss and ensure fair employment transitions;
- Require neutrality from CVS Health in any future union organizing or elections;
- Ensure compliance with WARN Act and, in Washington, SB 5525, which prohibits layoffs of employees on Paid Family and Medical Leave.
The Guild also urged state agencies to explore supportive measures like SharedWork programs, partial unemployment, or standby arrangements to minimize the impact on affected workers and maintain patient care continuity—particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“Our pharmacy professionals are committed to putting patients before profits,” Jerominski added. “These layoffs and closures are not just labor issues—they’re public health threats. We’re asking state agencies to step in before more damage is done.”