“Hundreds” of Boots pharmacists are to join the PDA Union at the end of this year following a decisive vote in favour of merging the company’s own union with the PDAU.

The PDAU announced this morning (November 12) that a ballot of members of the Boots Pharmacists Association saw 96 per cent of those voting express their support for merging the BPA into the larger union, which has had a recognition agreement with the company since 2019. 

BPA members voted to accept the proposed transfer of engagements of to the PDAU – on terms agreed in “extensive talks” between the two organisations – on a turnout of 38 per cent.

“The results of the ballot have been shared with BPA members and will now be lodged with the trade union regulator so that the transfer can happen on January 1, 2025,” said the two parties in a joint statement.

The PDAU had previously said the merger increase its membership among Boots employed pharmacists from 60-70 per cent to “over 70 per cent,” which it argued would “enhance the collective voice for all pharmacists at the company” as former BPA members would input into negotiations on pay and conditions

PDAU general secretary Mark Pitt commented: “We are the only trade union exclusively for pharmacists and we look forward to welcoming hundreds more into PDA membership through this merger.”

BPA chairman Khuram Ahmad said: “BPA executive committees have led our association for over half a century and have now secured a future for the membership which they have confirmed that they want. 

“We will ensure a smooth transition to the PDAU at year end.”