Boots responds to PDA challenge, as panel reviews case
Boots has responded to a legal challenge to have its union "derecognised" in favour of the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) Union, while a panel has been appointed to review the case.
"We respect the right of our colleagues to become members of a trade body of their choice," a Boots UK spokesperson told C+D exclusively yesterday (August 3).
"However, in order to best serve the interests of our pharmacy and wider Boots colleague population, we believe it is essential to build great relationships between pharmacists, their line managers and their local teams."
Six Boots pharmacists launched a legal challenge last week to have their pay, hours and holiday collectively negotiated by the PDA Union. The challenge was delivered to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) – the independent body responsible for resolving workplace disputes – on July 28.
"We always engage with colleagues on matters affecting them, through our colleague forums and line managers," Boots added.
"We will continue to work with the Boots Pharmacists' Association (BPA) to deliver the best working environment."
CAC appoints panel
According to a PDA statement published on Wednesday (August 2), the CAC has appointed a three-person panel to consider the challenge.
The panel has an extendable 10 working days from receiving the application to accept or reject it, the PDA said.
Should the application be accepted, there will be a “further 20 working days” for “negotiations between all parties” to try to reach an agreement, it added.
PDA answers its members’ questions about the challenge
Would the PDA Union be prepared to work with the BPA?
Yes, the PDA Union executive has met with members of the BPA executive on a regular basis over the years to discuss working closer together or even merging; regrettably the BPA has not been receptive to any closer ties.
The PDA Union has exhausted all other legal avenues and the derecognition of the BPA is now the only option left open for pharmacists to secure negotiating rights over their pay, hours and other working conditions.
What happens if I openly express support for the derecognition/recognition process and I am targeted by company managers and disadvantaged?
It is unlawful to be put at a detriment because of belonging to a trade union or taking part in union activities, and there can be severe penalties for employers who act in this way.
A detriment can include negative comments by managers, an adverse pay award, or other unfair treatment that is connected to being in a trade union or related union activity.
We do not anticipate that Boots or its managers will behave in this way; however, please contact the union immediately if you are concerned and require advice.
Source: PDA website
For a timeline of the Boots and PDA saga from 2012 to 2017, click here
What should unions offer their pharmacist members?