Boots pharmacists and pre-registration graduates now have the opportunity to vote for a better future, and an independent voice at work.
Boots pharmacists and pre-registration graduates now have the opportunity to vote for a better future, and an independent voice at work. They will soon receive ballot papers at their home address, to allow them to remove the agreement between Boots and the BPA which blocks their ability to negotiate better pay, hours and other working conditions through the PDA Union. Removing the agreement would pave the way for the PDA Union to negotiate better terms and conditions on behalf of Boots pharmacists, and the BPA can continue as it has before.
The PDA Union (PDAU) was formed by pharmacists, for pharmacists. Our focus has always been on protecting and improving professional autonomy, working conditions and employment terms for pharmacists.”
Latest articles about our campaign for Boots Recognition
Following the decisive result in the ballot of Boots pharmacists, the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) have terminated the agreement between Boots and the BPA, which blocked PDA Union’s previous attempts to get formal recognition at the company.
The decisive voting in the ballot that ends the recognition agreement between Boots and the BPA should be the start of a new chapter for community pharmacy employee relations with the PDA Union now moving towards recognition as the independent voice of pharmacists at the company.
Last month, we promised that we would give £1 to charity for each Boots pharmacist and pre-registration graduate that voted in the union derecognition ballot and we are fulfilling that commitment now. This was a great way to encourage people to vote in the ballot and raise money for a worthy cause in the process. The charitable gesture was not dependent on which way Boots pharmacists and pre-registration graduates voted.
There were 6,890 pharmacists and pre-registration pharmacists in the “bargaining unit” at Boots, each was eligible to cast one vote. They were asked if they supported the end of a recognition agreement between Boots and the Boots Pharmacists Association. Ending that agreement would clear the way for PDA Union to be recognised.
The PDA Union have successfully argued for an extension to the voting period for Boots pharmacists in order that more can participate in the ballot about who should represent them at work.
The Central Arbitration Committee have reissued the formal notice of the ballot to derecognise the BPA at Boots after extending the period to Friday 1 June. The notice details the process and timetable for this essential development to secure an independent voice at work for community pharmacists.
PDA Union are calling again for an extension to the ballot process after almost 1% of eligible employees contacted the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) on day one because they had not received their ballot papers.
VIDEO: Mark Koziol explains how the Boots ballot to derecognise the Boots Pharmacists’ Association, could benefit all pharmacists and pre-reg graduates.
Boots pharmacists and pre-registration graduates who are on annual leave mid-May could miss out on their chance to vote in the Boots ballot to derecognise the agreement with the BPA after the Central Arbitration Committee declined a request to extend the ballot period.
The PDA Union have announced that they will be giving £1.00 to charity for each Boots pharmacist and pre-registration graduate who votes in the forthcoming ballot as a way to encourage participation in the ballot process. The charitable gesture is not dependent on which way Boots pharmacists and pre-registration graduates vote and will be paid irrespective of the outcome of the ballot. The funds will come directly from the PDA membership fees of Boots pharmacists only.
My experience of the PDA has been nothing but exemplary. Fantastic, hardworking people who seem to genuinely care about the pharmacists who are registered with them. If only more organisations were like them.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England; Company No 4746656.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association is an appointed representative in respect of insurance mediation activities only of The Pharmacy Insurance Agency Limited which is registered in England and Wales under company number 2591975 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063)
The PDA Union is recognised by the Certification Officer as an independent trade union.
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