Reality Check A strike is not a guarantee of a better contract.

The facts: A strike does not automatically result in additional company investment beyond what is already on the table. Our current offer represents a significant investment in pharmacists, and it’s an investment we’re proud to make.

Recent example: During the 2024 Colorado negotiations, associates were on strike for 10 days. The company did NOT increase its overall economic investment beyond what had already been offered before the strike began. The agreement was ultimately reached through continued bargaining.

Bottom line: Contracts are negotiated at the bargaining table, not on the picket line.

What We’re Offering

We’ve listened to the union bargaining committee and improved our proposal. With more bargaining dates on the calendar, we look forward to continuing our wage discussions.

Our current offer includes:

• Up to $5.00/hour in wage increasesover the life of the agreement, with more money delivered earlier.
• No increase in healthcare costs, keeping pharmacist healthcare among the most affordable in California.
• Three-year agreementproviding stability while continuing to invest in pharmacists.

No One Wins with a Strike

A strike creates uncertainty for everyone.

• Pharmacists risk lost income and other financial impacts.
• Patients may experience disruptions to their pharmacy care.
• Communities lose access to the trusted healthcare services they depend on.

Our focus remains on reaching an agreement through productive bargaining—not unnecessary disruption.

Before You Decide

Ask yourself:

• Since the company has not made its final offer, why is the union rushing for strike authorization?
• How much strike pay would I actually receive and when would it begin?
• What specific improvements is the union seeking beyond the company’s current offer?
• Does a strike guarantee the company will increase its offer?

You deserve complete information before making an important decision.

What’s Next

• Negotiations are not over. Additional bargaining sessions are already scheduled. The company and union are scheduled to resume bargaining August 6-7.
• Ralphs remains committed to reaching an agreement that pharmacists will  want to ratify. There is still time to reach an agreement at the bargaining table.