Union slams Medco staff lockout

Jack Hammond, USW District 12 international representative, said the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) had already issued a complaint against Medco for its illegal interference with employees’ solidarity actions and its unlawful unilateral changes in the health benefit plan.

The USW has pending unfair labor practice charges over Medco’s threat to initiate a lockout, and will file new charges with the NLRB over the illegal lockout and the company’s unlawful attempt to bargain directly with employees.

At issue in the contract talks are healthcare benefits. Mr Hammond said Medco wants to have the right to amend, change or terminate all benefits without bargaining with the union. He said the company wants to double the out-of-pocket cost of health expenses for employees and offer fewer benefits.

He said the union found a health care plan that would save Medco over a million dollars the first year alone, but the company said no because its own drug card would not be used.

Medco is using temporary workers to handle the pharmacy technicians’ duties, which include checking prescription labels and assisting the pharmacists.

“We don’t think these temporary workers have the commitment and training to do their jobs properly,” Mr Hammond said. “People’s lives could be at risk if they receive the wrong medication or dosage.”

The union said it will be asking all of Medco’s union customers to let the company know that, if the illegal lockout isn’t ended soon, they will seek other prescription providers.

“Hopefully, Medco will come to its senses,” Mr Hammond said. “It’s insane what they’re doing to their employees and customers right now.”