Time is running out for pharmacists to have their say as completed ballot papers must be received by post at the scrutineer before midday on Monday 17 February. Anyone that has not yet voted needs to post their completed ballot paper in the next few days to be confident it can arrive before the deadline.
Over the last three weeks, those eligible to vote have been receiving information at work and to their home addresses about the rationale for trade union recognition, and both company management and the PDA Union have been holding online meetings at which the subject has been discussed.
PDA Union Director, Paul Day said, “We have engaged with many individuals at Superdrug during this process, including some who have not yet joined the PDA, and have gained a greater insight into the day to day working experience of pharmacists at Superdrug. Whatever the result of the ballot, we are committed to supporting pharmacists to improve their working lives.
We understand that health professionals live busy lives, with both work and personal commitments requiring their attention. We believe that we have explained the positive benefits of trade union recognition and proved the case for a ‘YES’ vote.
We have answered every question asked of us and shared the positive examples from pharmacists at other companies where we have recognition. We encourage anyone who has not yet returned their vote, to take this final opportunity to do so.”
The ballot papers will be counted following the deadline for return, after which the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) panel who are overseeing the statutory process will need to review the result before the company and union are informed. If 40% or more of those eligible to vote, (around 104 individuals) have voted ‘YES’ and that is also a majority vote, then the company and union will negotiate a recognition agreement.
If those thresholds are not met, the company could still voluntarily recognise the PDA Union, however even without recognition the PDA can continue to provide advice and support to individuals, or groups of union members, including representation in certain processes such as grievances or disciplinaries, as necessary.
Learn more
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.