Joint Statement
Representatives from Boots and the PDA Union have been meeting regularly since July to hold constructive talks regarding the pay claim submitted by the PDA Union along with requests for changes to other terms and conditions of employment. The latest of these meetings was on 24th September 2020.
Both parties acknowledge the challenge of concluding negotiations in the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic and current economic conditions, while also recognising the hard work and commitment of pharmacists during what has been an unusual and difficult time for colleagues.
Both parties recognise that good progress has been made on some of the key issues included in the claim and the discussions have also taken into account the company’s recent statements about zero pay increases for other groups of colleagues. However, so far, it has not been possible to reach an overall agreement due to differences regarding the pay claim itself.
The recognition agreement signed by Boots and the PDA union last year sets the framework for these discussions. Under that agreement, if differences between the company and the union remain, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), an independent public body, can be invited to assist in helping both sides to find ways of reaching an agreement.
At the conclusion of the September meeting, although both parties remain hopeful that there remains the potential to reach common ground on a number of issues, the next step in the process will be to engage ACAS for their assistance.
It is expected this part of the process will take a few weeks but a further joint statement will be issued at the conclusion of the discussions with ACAS to update you.
Anne Higgins, Director of Stores Pharmacy, Boots UK
Paul Moloney, National Officer, PDA Union