Cencora/AmerisourceBergen Teamsters Rally for Fair Contract

TL/DR -

Warehouse workers of pharmaceutical company Cencora, previously known as AmerisourceBergen, have gone on strike, demanding fair pay, improved benefits, and better working conditions. The workers, who are members of Teamsters Local 150, are also protesting against the company's prioritization of corporate profits over employees' welfare, as exemplified by the CEO's earnings of $138 million over the past four years. The labor dispute could potentially affect other Teamsters-represented distribution centers in various regions.

Warehouse Workers Protest for Better Pay and Benefits

Striking Teamsters from Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen) rallied at the Sacramento distribution center today. The 124 warehouse workers, members of Teamsters Local 150, have been on strike since March 11.

Local 150 members initiated the strike following months of strenuous contract negotiations. Their demands include a fair wage progression, decreased health care costs, enhanced seniority rights, and paid time off.

"While Cencora executives make millions, dedicated Teamsters are left to struggle," said Local 150 Secretary-Treasurer, Dale Wentz. "Workers deserve decent wages, affordable health care, and adequate paid time off. The company needs to prioritize its employees over profits."

Cencora’s CEO, Steven H. Collis, earned $138 million in the past four years, which is 570 times what the median employee makes. On the same day of the strike, top executives received millions in special retention awards.

“Cencora has put profits first, leaving workers struggling. We want a fair deal to improve our work conditions and fix our outdated wage progression,” said long-time warehouse worker, Chris Simpkins. “We play an important role and deserve better.”

As the third-largest global pharmaceutical distributor and 11th on the Fortune 500 list, Cencora's treatment of its workers is under scrutiny.

Teamsters Local 150 has filed an unfair labor practice charge. The labor dispute could spread to other Teamsters-represented distribution centers.

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