The PDA is now the largest pharmacist organisation with more than 30,000 members, and we’re still growing. We are the only independent trade union exclusively for pharmacists in the UK. Since last HeartUnions Week, we have secured recognition in Boots where we have already negotiated pay increases for pharmacists, we fought off an unacceptable pharmacist apprenticeship proposal and we have welcomed the National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP) into the PDA family and much more.
HeartUnions Week is about celebrating your union and recruiting new members into your union. This year, the associated campaign organised by the TUC is to change the law to end sexual harassment in the workplace.
Why is the campaign to end sexual harassment important?
Sexual harassment has no place in the workplace, but everyday people across the UK are sexually harassed at work. 1 in 2 women have been sexually harassed at work and 2 in 3 LGBT workers have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace – that’s 68%. Currently, there is no legal duty on employers to take proactive action to prevent this from happening.
The campaign is demanding a new, easily enforceable legal duty requiring all employers to take all reasonable steps to protect workers from sexual harassment and victimisation. Our laws rely on individuals reporting and the onus is on the victim, which can be isolating, confusing and potentially traumatic. 4 out of 5 people don’t feel able to report sexual harassment to their employer. The petition calls for a change in the law.
LEARN MORE AND Get Involved!
- PDA members and union reps are encouraged to share photographs and HeartUnions (?Unions) messages on social media about what you love about the PDA and why other pharmacists should join!
- You can get together with other PDA members, non-members and friends in your workplace or locally (possibly at a coffee morning) to celebrate HeartUnions week and raise awareness of the important campaign to end sexual harassment in the workplace. Also, share photos of any activity you lead or are involved in for HeartUnions week on Twitter. Tag @the_pda & @The_TUC #heartunionsweek
- We are promoting and encouraging a week of members recruiting new members to the PDA (including student and pre-registration pharmacists). Your colleagues and friends can join the PDA online here
- Find out more information about HeartUnions week here
- You can sign the petition which calls to end sexual harassment in the workplace here
- Find out more about the TUC campaign here
- As a PDA member if you have experienced sexual harassment at work and/or need support and advice on this or any other work-related problem, please contact the PDA.
HeartUnions Week is a TUC initiative. Paul Nowak, Deputy General Secretary of the TUC will be speaking at the PDA National Conference in March. For more information and to secure your place, click here.