A report back from Una O’Farrell, PDA National Officer for Northern Ireland.
On day one of the conference delegates were addressed by the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. In a speech much quoted in Irish media, Michael spoke of how he, himself had joined a union at age 19 after realising the inequities that existed and went on to organise action. Michael said, “Trade unions should not be residual to discussion but at the forefront… (they should be) the visionaries, the policymakers and the economists leading the change.”
Dr John Geary of University College Dublin presented to delegates on the second day of the conference. John spoke of the limitations unions faced when growing their memberships due to societal and cultural norms. John spoke of how unions may appear to be a sectional interest, specifically, of the public sector, and how this should not, and is not, the reality of a union’s function. John also said that while 32% of working women held union memberships, only 25% of men did, so the union movement could also be seen as a female phenomenon when again, the reality is not so.
Congress was also issued an inspiring speech by General Secretary of ICTU, Owen Reidy who acknowledged that the role of a union organiser can be frustrating, and disappointing at times. However, Owen went on to speak about the power of persuasion, the persuasion of power, and how the two theories dance together to achieve the best outcome for members. Owen addressed the problem of existing dismissal legislation and how it needs an urgent overhaul to ensure safety for those who challenge the system.
PDA Motion
Day three saw the unanimous passing of the PDA’s motion titled ‘Fair Pay Now’. The motion centered upon the timely application of pay uplifts, regardless of the positioning of the Stormont government. The motion said, “Congress notes that as the Covid-19 pandemic came to an end, the then Minister for Health announced a special recognition payment for all health and social care workers in Northern Ireland. Yet some self-employed pharmacists, that is locum pharmacists, have still not received the £500 payment. This is an economically vulnerable group and a group that the department has made repeated calls on the bolster failing services.
Congress notes there are other employers within the health system, that echo Agenda for Change terms and conditions, despite the fact they are essentially private businesses contracted to the NHS, not actually public bodies. While echoing the pay structure has some advantages, these employers also seek to unnecessarily delay pay increases on the basis that the NHS changes are so delayed.
The Universities in Ulster Schools of Pharmacy are ranked as some of the highest in the UK. They are gifting our population with high calibre graduates destined to provide excellent patient care. These pharmacists want to stay in a job that helps patients. They want to deliver the care that they have spent years of time and often thousands of pounds to render themselves confident and capable.”
The passing of the PDA’s motion by ICTU Congress indicates support across all unions for the issues raised and as such the PDA will use this as leverage when campaigning on behalf of members.
PDA National Officer for Northern Ireland, Una O’Farrell said, “Being part of Congress and engaging with the collective leadership of other unions can only improve the world of work. The opportunity to listen, and to contribute to the conversation on a national level is invaluable, and I encourage any PDA member interested in attending to get in touch”.
All of the issues discussed at the conference ultimately affect PDA members, both in Northern Ireland and Britain. Unions mean that workers’ rights cannot be disregarded and that their employers cannot ignore or reject their needs. The conference was a timely reminder of this. It also demonstrated that fear that is routinely seen in pharmacists, that feeling that they can’t or shouldn’t join a union or take union action, is universal. It also offered renewed and refreshed counter to this. With support and engagement from those further down the union trail, these limitations to elevating standards can be overcome.
Learn more
- PDA works to help stop delays to pharmacist pay increases in Northern Ireland
- Affiliations
- ICTU
- Biennial Delegate Conference 2023
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