New deal also provides yearly wage increases, improved allowances, and 'Right to Care' provision
Union workers at National Pharmacies are set to vote on a new Enterprise Agreement that is set to improve pay and conditions for pharmacy and optical employees in South Australia.
The proposed deal, as outlined by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA), includes an improved classification structure that will result in "significantly higher wages" for most employees.
It also offers yearly wage increases, improved allowances, payments for mandatory training, superannuation contributions for employees under the age of 18, and a minimum of 10 hours per week for part-time employees.
The proposed agreement also includes a process to raise and address ongoing concerns on staffing and workload, stronger rights for union delegates to represent its members, a better dispute clause, and the inclusion of a "Right to Care" provision.
Under this provision, National Pharmacies will need to listen to employees in relation to their caring responsibilities and accommodate these needs where possible based on operational requirements.
The agreement will cover pharmacy employees and students, dispensary technicians, optical employees, and beauty employees, according to the SDA.
"This was only possible because of the work of the SDA and SDA members in South Australia. Workers stood together to demand the Company to negotiate, and we were successful in bringing National Pharmacies to the bargaining table," the union said on its website.
SDA members will vote on the agreement starting 26 June to 3 July through an electronic ballot.
If the majority of union members who participated voted in favour of the deal, it will go to the Fair Work Commission for approval.
