PROFESSIONAL Pharmacists Australia has written to Chemist Warehouse, saying the company has been "awfully quiet" following the Fair Work Commission decision to cut penalty rates (PD 24 Feb).
The letter to Chemist Warehouse director Damien Gance asks whether the pharmacy discount giant "plans to cut take home pay of pharmacy employees".
The union group says its salary reports "consistently find that Chemist Warehouse wages are on or just slightly above the minimum Pharmacy Industry Award (2010) rates," adding that even when a pharmacist is paid above the Award rate via an individual agreement "a cut in the underpinning Award will still impact their future earning capacity".
Professional Pharmacists national director Matt Harris said pharmacy staff who worked on weekends and public holidays provided vital services during a time when other options were often closed.
"As Chemist Warehouse considers its response to this issue, we take this opportunity to remind you that the Australian community are strongly opposed to penalty rate cuts, and this will most definitely include your customers," he added.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 30 Mar 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 30 Mar 17