Pharmacists say they're overworked and understaffed and have been for years. So they planned a "Pharmageddon" – three days of nationwide walkouts at CVS and Walgreens. The walkouts come after protests from pharmacy workers at Walgreens last month, and multiple walkouts at CVS stores in Kansas City.

Although complaints have been ongoing, the scale of the walkouts was difficult to confirm. And change has been hard to come by.

Pharmacy worker complaints come as big box retailers face other struggles. Last month, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy. CVS, RiteAid, and Walgreens locations have been closing stores across the country.

We discuss the state of retail pharmacies today, and what these shakeups mean for the communities relying on them.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our website.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy