The jobs of store based pharmacists, who secured union recognition for the PDA last year, are not directly impacted by today’s announcement, clearly there will be an indirect consequence for them if there are less colleagues working alongside them in store while customers have the same demands. The PDA will be listening and representing their views as this decision is implemented.
There are members of the PDA in other roles within the company head office that may be in scope of the announcement, and although the PDA are not recognised to represent them collectively in a formal consultation processes, the union will be supporting these pharmacists individually or together as appropriate.
As with any restructure, we will want both those who may leave and those who stay to be considered, listened to and treated respectfully throughout. Anyone whose job ends should have the opportunity to secure alternative employment within the company where vacancies exist, or alternatively receive the appropriate support and compensation for the loss of their job. Nobody should be forced into a role that isn’t a suitable alternative and nor should anyone be denied an available role that is suitable.
PDA members with specific queries can contact the PDA in confidence to talk about their workplace query. We are concerned for the general well-being of members affected by this announcement and in addition to the support and representation available from the PDA Union, we would also like to remind you of the excellent personal support provided by the Pharmacist Support charity.
Read the Boots announcement here:
PDA believe that everyone who is working should be in a suitable trade union for their circumstances so that they receive the support, protection and other benefits of being part of an independent trade union. It is times like these that really emphasise why that is important. We encourage all pharmacists to join PDA and suggest non-pharmacists in community pharmacy consider joining USDAW