LloydsPharmacy workers update
Wednesday 4 April 2018Below is an update for all LloydsPharmacy workers on the following:
- Improved redundancy terms
- Labour Court Hearing – Monday, 16th April 2018
- Concerns over changes to hours and work patterns
- Mandate representation
Improved Redundancy Terms Achieved
The redundancy terms achieved by LloydsPharmacy colleagues in the five locations affected by closures was 5-weeks’ pay per year of service – uncapped.
Management had originally offered staff 5-weeks’ pay per year of service but it was capped at one year’s salary.
This cap affected half of the members involved in the closures. This offer was inherently unfair on those who had given such long service in their pharmacies – some with up to 30-years’ service.
However by uniting together, staff in all locations were able to mount enough pressure to get the redundancy uncapped. This change is significant for the members affected but also for any future redundancy situations.
As you are aware the company refused to consult collectively with Mandate in these locations. Mandate then lodged claims with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for breaches of the Protection of Employment Act, 1977 which require an employer to consult with employees’ representatives and to provide relevant information relating to proposed redundancies.
The members in the stores also made it abundantly clear to the company initiated ‘Colleague Representative Committee’ (CRC) that it was not given authorisation to act on their behalf and that Mandate Trade Union were their sole representatives. Representations by members and Union officials also vehemently opposed the proposed cap on the redundancy.
One worker sent a message to Mandate stating:
“Putting a cap on the redundancy was unfair. There is no doubt that by us all sticking together in the Union that we were able to get the Company to change its position. This makes a big difference for all of us. It’s given me the opportunity to provide something a bit better for my daughter.”
Labour Court Hearing – Monday, 16th April 2018
The Labour Court hearing regarding our core issues (pay increase, pay scales, security of working hours, sick pay scheme) has been delayed now on two occasions for reasons beyond your Union’s control. The first delay in January was due to a sudden illness of one of the members of the Court and the second in February by Storm Emma.
While this is frustrating we hope the latest hearing takes place as scheduled and that we soon get a result. Regardless, these frustrations should be geared at LloydsPharmacy management which has had every opportunity over the past year to address the issues raised but continues to refuse to engage with its employees through their Union.
Significantly, your employer has indicated to the Labour Court that they will be represented at the hearing clearly accepting that they are prepared to engage on collective issues but only in circumstances that they determine as appropriate. This type of an attitude cannot be accepted and as we build pressure through increased Union membership we must strengthen our demand that your Union is recognised by the Company for all individual and collective representative issues in all circumstances.
Concerns over changes to hours and work patterns
Mandate has written to LloydsPharmacy management in relation to a recent communications sent to all stores regarding potential changes that could translate to cuts in store hours and changes to shift patterns that will have an impact on staff income and work life balance. In the letter the Company has been clearly put on notice that any change to established working patterns must have regard to our members work/life balance requirements and such changes can only be introduced by mutual agreement.
Mandate representation
Experienced Mandate officials continue to actively and effectively represent members in LloydsPharmacy. Some of these representations are in relation to members going through disciplinary procedures with the company who need some back up to ensure fair treatment. Others representations relate to members’ individual grievances regarding payments, entitlements or other rights violations. If you have an issue and need advice or assistance please don’t hesitate to contact your local Mandate official.
