- On behalf of members, the PDA Union has made a formal application to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) for recognition at Superdrug. The CAC is an independent body set up by the government with statutory powers to encourage fair and efficient arrangements in the workplace by resolving collective disputes in England, Scotland and Wales
- The CAC has recently decided that the PDA Union’s application for recognition can proceed to the next stage and its decision with reasons can be found here
- In parallel to the formal application, PDA Union negotiators have been in direct discussions with the company about voluntary recognition.
Mark Pitt, PDA Union General Secretary says, “Every pharmacist deserves an independent voice at work, and we have responded to members at Superdrug by initiating this process of recognition. We hope a voluntary agreement can be reached with the company, and the CAC application helps to encourage constructive and timely dialogue with company management.”
At the moment, there is no action required from individual pharmacists or trainee pharmacists employed by Superdrug. However, the PDA encourages all members at Superdrug to talk about this with other pharmacists at the company and for those who have not yet joined the PDA, to do so here without delay.
This message should be widely shared at the company.
Mark concluded, “There are numerous benefits for Superdrug pharmacists from trade union recognition. Rather than describe these myself, I’m pleased to share firsthand reports from pharmacists Anne Davies and Jayesh Ladva, who are part of the PDA Union Reps Network at Boots, which was created in 2019, once pharmacists there secured recognition.”
Further details about the recognition process will be shared in due course. In the meantime, read the message from Anne and Jayesh here.
PDA members with any comments or questions about trade union recognition at Superdrug can email superdrug@pda-union.org.
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.