By a two-to-one margin, pharmacy technicians at Kroger in Tiffin, Ohio voted to join UFCW Local 75 earlier this month.
These 10 new members join the other approximately 150 unionized Kroger workers at this location.
The workers assist the store’s pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medications, processing prescriptions, managing inventory, and supporting patients with routine pharmacy needs.
Organizers say member activists played an important role in unionizing the unit by talking with workers about the benefits of having a strong contract and making sure these conversations were effective. Workers were inspired to unionize by a desire for better health insurance, improved wages and working conditions, and most importantly, a greater voice in how they were treated on the job. They wanted a meaningful seat at the table and the ability to work collectively to make their workplace better and fairer.
“We came together because we knew things could be better. We wanted a voice on the job, better benefits, and to be treated with the respect we deserve,” said Jill, a pharmacy tech at the store.
Contract negotiations are expected to begin next month.