We are pleased to announce that all 7 Southern California local unions counted the returned pharmacist ballots and the contract has been accepted. The first wage increase is effective Monday Oct 10, 2011.

Thank you to all the pharmacists who voted and to those who attended the count at their local union. We received a large number of ballots and know that our pharmacist members are engaged and concerned about the future. We look forward to working with all our pharmacist members under the new stand alone collective bargaining agreement.

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Gerry Afkari, of Local 1442, is the February 2012 Pharmacist of the Month

Gerry Afkari of Ralphs Grocery has been a pharmacist for 31 years. She received her degree from the University of Texas. Gerry is a very active member of UFCW Local 1442.

When Afkari worked for Thrifty, she was part of the "rank & file" negotiation committee in the late 80's and early 90's - who's goal was a "Pharmacists Only" Local. She continues to strive for a separate contract for grocery pharmacists.

Currently an Executive Board Member of the South Bay Pharmacist Association, Gerry also proudly served as the President & Secretary of that organization. In addition, she was also a member of the Board of Trustees for the California Pharmacist Association.

Q: What is it you like most about your job?

A: “I enjoy making a connection our patients and becoming part of their health care team.”

When: February 10-13, 2011
Where: Palm Springs, at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

The UFCW Professional Division Booth was nearly overwhelmed with first time visitors & old friends.

Pharmacy students learned about our Union and many members had questions and/or suggestions. The weekend ended with a drawing for some amazing prizes. Surprisingly all were won by student.

Outlook is the premier California pharmacy convention where pharmacists meet each year to network, do business, obtain quality continuing education and participate in one of the largest state pharmacy exhibit halls in the nation. As always Outlook is sponsored by the California Pharmacists Association and the Pharmacy Foundation of California.

Photos! Click the play button below to start the slideshow: