Rexall applies to lock out pharmacists and technicians

'Not only is this shameful, but it also poses potential safety issues.' - Elisabeth Ballermann

Edmonton (6 Nov. 2008) - Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who undertake specialized services for organ transplant, HIV/AIDS and pediatric outpatients have been advised by Rexall that it is preparing to lock them out following an impasse in negotiations with their union, the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE).

Rexall has parachuted in pharmacy managers from Ontario - some untrained in these specialized services - and has also instructed local staff to begin training their own replacements.

"Not only is this shameful, but it also poses potential safety issues for these patients, most of whom are already dealing with seriously compromised immune systems," says HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann.

"Health officials in this province are presently dealing with a health care nightmare that is impacting the lives of thousands of High Prairie residents. Surely, they don't need another catastrophe on their hands."

The Darryl Katz-owned Rexall group submitted an application Oct. 28 to the Alberta Labour Relations Board (ALRB) to lockout 25 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians employed in its Pharma Plus outpatient pharmacies in Edmonton's Royal Alexandra and University of Alberta hospitals.

Greedy corporation

"This was both predictable and avoidable," Ballermann says, referring to the most recent round of bargaining with the pharmacy giant.

"Rexall's intentions were obvious throughout the bargaining process. They were never interested in participating in productive negotiations. This is an extremely profitable corporation, and they make no apologies for attempting to become more profitable, even if it's at the expense of their employees."

Rexall's proposals fell significantly short of the settlement reached amicably between HSAA and the province earlier this year on behalf of 14,000 provincial health care members, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

What Rexall is offering would leave employees more than $8,000 behind their provincial colleagues over the life of a proposed two-year agreement. Rexall is also demanding numerous concessions for any new hires, one of which would see pharmacy technician wages decrease by a whopping 23-33%. Additionally, pharmacy staff would only receive minimum employment standards, vacation time and pay. NUPGE