Pharmacists At FL Veterans Hospital Say They're Overworked, Underpaid

TAMPA, FL — Union members of the American Federation of Government Employees who serve as pharmacists at the James A. Haley Veterans Affairs Hospital in Tampa announced a vote of no confidence in the hospital's pharmacy and executive leadership, citing unacceptable working conditions, understaffing and a lack of consideration for their concerns by management.

The AFGE said the pharmacists have experienced a drastic change in workload in recent years due to the loss of several full-time staff members. Despite the positions being advocated for by pharmacists, physician colleagues and the chief of pharmacy, management has maintained that the positions are no longer needed, the union said.

“As a result of the workload absorption and existing obligations, the pharmacy section has witnessed increasing rates of employee burnout,” said Wanda Bellamy-White, president of AFGE Local 547. “The pharmacists sought a discussion with upper management to voice their concerns about the negative impact on patient care, personal well-being and mental health. Unfortunately, their request was declined, leaving them with no opportunity to effectively communicate the implications of these decisions.”

Further exacerbating pharmacists’ concerns, Bellamy-White said management introduced drastic changes to their schedules earlier this year due to the loss of positions, including increasing hours and weekend coverage. About 67 percent of pharmacists are expected to be negatively impacted if the changes go into effect, including a 15 percent reduction in pay for one employee with over a decade of service. Pharmacists have proposed alternative solutions to management, and have called for the rehiring of at least one full-time position in order to expand coverage.

Hospital Communications Director Regina Zhu responded to the union's announcement, saying that hospital leaders have been in discussion with pharmacy staff regarding schedules and resources for about two years.

“The staff are integral, valued members of this organization and leadership remains committed to engaging staff to address their concerns," she said.

Marcia Beasley, second vice president of AFGE Local 547, told a different story.

“Regrettably, management has shown an unwillingness to discuss any other options with the pharmacy department, causing a growing sense of apathy and disillusionment among staff,” said Beasley.

“Even with union involvement, the pharmacy leadership administration has further refused to actively listen or discuss alternative solutions, leaving the pharmacists feeling unheard and disregarded," she said. "The persistent culture of moral distress within the section has resulted in struggles to fulfill veterans' care during the additional weekends of work, with employees having to scramble to find child and adult care.”

Pharmacists initiated a vote of no confidence as a last resort, and continue to urge management and executive leaders to engage in open and constructive dialogue and to address the issues affecting working conditions, employee well-being and the ability to deliver quality care for veterans.

James A. Haley is the busiest of four polytrauma facilities in the nation, serving more than 116,000 veterans living in a four-county area including Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco and Hernando counties.

The hospital provides comprehensive health care through primary care, tertiary care and long-term care in the areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care.

The James A. Haley Veterans Hospital consists of five VHA facilities including the main hospital on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Tampa, New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Lakeland, and Brooksville.

The American Federation of Government Employees is the largest federal employee union. On Monday, the union celebrated the addition of more than 1,500 members in July, surpassing its 2023 goal. It now represents 700,000 workers in the federal government and the District of Columbia.