Pharmacy professionals demand job protections, continuity of care, and accountability as CVS prepares to acquire multiple former Rite Aid stores in Idaho
BOISE, ID – As CVS prepapes for their hearing on the sale of the Rite Aid pharmacies today in bankruptcy court, The Pharmacy Guild/IAM, the national voice for pharmacy professionals, has issued a formal letter to the Idaho Department of Labor urging proactive intervention to prevent layoffs tied to CVS Health’s acquisition of former Rite Aid locations across the state in anticipation of the sale’s approval.
In a letter addressed to Senior Planner Rico Barrera, the Guild raised concerns over the potential for mass job losses and disruption to patient care as a result of Rite Aid’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the sale of multiple Idaho locations to CVS. Rite Aid has already closed at least two pharmacies in the state, and more closures could follow without state oversight and corporate accountability.
“Pharmacies serve as critical access points for healthcare in rural and underserved communities throughout Idaho,” said Shane Jerominski, cofounder of The Pharmacy Guild/IAM. “This transition must not be used as a cover for cutting jobs or reducing care. As CVS moves in, it must commit to protecting patients and pharmacy professionals.”
The Pharmacy Guild is calling on the Idaho Department of Labor to investigate the CVS acquisition and hold the company accountable to fair labor practices and healthcare standards. The Guild’s demands include:
- Prevent layoffs at acquired locations.
- Offer continued employment to displaced Rite Aid pharmacy professionals to help relieve chronic understaffing.
- Ensure current employees are not forced to reapply for jobs they already hold.
- Require CVS Health to immediately bargain with union representatives to protect workers and ensure fair transitions.
- Ensure CVS remains neutral in any future union organizing efforts or elections.
The Guild is also asking the state to consider activating its Rapid Response Teams to support impacted workers and maintain pharmacy coverage and staffing during the transition. In addition, the Guild called on the Department to closely monitor CVS Health’s compliance with the federal WARN Act, especially regarding proper notice and the rights of workers.
“This is not just a labor issue—it’s a public health issue,” Jerominski added. “Idaho families depend on their local pharmacies for essential care. The state must act now to ensure this acquisition doesn’t undermine care or cost pharmacy professionals their livelihoods.”
The Pharmacy Guild/IAM represents pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across the country and advocates for professional standards, safe patient care, and workplace rights.