“Time is running out, but there is still time to vote” is the key message for Boots pharmacists. There is still time to remind a colleague to vote and there is still time to request a ballot paper if an eligible pharmacist or pre-registration pharmacist has still not received their ballot pack.
The PDAU would like to invite any pharmacist still deciding how to vote, to access the pharmacy unscripted forum to read and contribute to the debate happening there, or to contact us via this website or any of our social media accounts (see bottom of page) with any question about the ballot.
Ballot papers were distributed to the home addresses of eligible pharmacists and pre-registration pharmacists on Monday 18 February and all those in receipt of a ballot pack should now have had the opportunity to vote.
However, PDAU are reminding all eligible voters to make sure they have safely posted their completed ballot paper via the royal mail, so that it will be received before the deadline and will be counted.
Mark Pitt, Assistant General Secretary said: “Experience from other processes has taught us that some postal voters will complete their ballot paper at the earliest opportunity then put the envelope aside intending to physically post it later on, only to realise days later that they have forgotten to post the envelope.
We don’t want any pharmacist or pre-registration pharmacist to be frustrated in a few days time by discovering their return envelope still in their desk drawer, on the kitchen side, in their jacket pocket, handbag or elsewhere.”
All registered and pre-registration store-based pharmacists at levels 5, 6 and 7 who are employed by Boots Management Services Ltd are entitled to vote in the ballot for union recognition and should have received their ballot papers. You can vote whether or not you are a union member.
Every vote counts in this ballot because unless 40% or more of eligible votes are in favour then nothing will change and pharmacists will be blocked from trying again for three years.
If you consider that you are eligible to vote and have not received a ballot paper, or if you did not receive a pre-paid return envelope in your ballot pack, please urgently contact the CAC Case Manager, Linda Lehan, by email at llehan@cac.gov.uk giving your full name and address.
Completed ballot papers must be received by Kanto Elect before noon on Monday 11 March in order to be counted.