El Ciudadano
Original article: Químicos farmacéuticos de Farmacias Ahumada denuncian graves vulneraciones laborales y de pago: «Es una práctica que se ha vuelto reiterada»
The Professional Union of Ahumada Pharmacies (Sinprofasa), representing over 95% of pharmacists in the national chain, has reported a series of labor violations by the company ahead of a new collective bargaining negotiation.
Among the main irregularities cited, the union accuses the company of debts arising from unilateral changes in the payment criteria for replacement hours, which they claim directly violate the terms of the existing collective contract.
The organization reports that since the acquisition of the company by national businessmen, practices have emerged that disregard acquired rights, including the refusal to pay for overtime and replacement hours.
This situation directly impacts the professional duties of pharmacists, whose presence is mandatory during all operating hours of pharmacies, according to the Health Code.
Viviana Castañeda, president of Sinprofasa, expressed her concerns: «What we are experiencing is not an isolated incident but a recurring practice. There is a systematic disregard for the collective contract and a persistent refusal to engage in effective dialogue with the union.»
Castañeda also noted that despite these circumstances, there is a willingness to reach an understanding: «We care about the company’s success because it translates into more jobs and better opportunities for our profession. However, this development cannot come at the cost of jeopardizing our working conditions.»
Furthermore, Sinprofasa questions the consistency between the company’s public statements and internal reality: «There is a promoted image of being close to patients, but those of us who ensure that care—the pharmacists—are not being treated with the respect and conditions we deserve.»
The union also reported pressure on its members to accept a new bonus that is not part of the current collective contract, which may constitute an anti-union practice.
Delays in Union Dues
Another critical issue raised by the organization is the delay in the payment of union dues by the company, even though these amounts are deducted monthly from workers’ salaries.
«We are facing unacceptable situations. Not only are contractual obligations not being met, but resources belonging to the union are also being withheld. This directly affects our operational capacity and defense of the workers,» Castañeda stated.
Finally, the union leader urged the company to clarify its situation: «There are two possibilities: either we are facing anti-union practices, or there is a financial issue that the company has not admitted. In either case, clarity and accountability are required.»
We will continue to provide updates.
La entrada Pharmacists at Ahumada Pharmacies Raise Alarm Over Labor Violations and Payment Issues: «A Recurring Practice» se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.
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