Minister backs striking Lloyds Pharmacy workers

Customers to deliver petition with more than 15,000 signatures to owner of Lloyds Pharmacy calling on company to engage

ICTU prepare members for all-out picket

Fifth Lloyds Pharmacy strike to take place tomorrow, Thursday, 12th July

Almost 250 workers in Ireland’s largest pharmacy chain, Lloyds Pharmacy, will strike for a fifth time tomorrow (Thursday, 12th July 2018) following their company’s continued refusal to accept a Labour Court recommendation.

The Labour Court recommendation stated: “the Court recommends that the parties engage in order to seek agreement in relation to the matters raised by the Trade Union.”

In a letter to Mandate Trade Union, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation has called on the company, “in line with the Court’s recommendation”, to “proactively and constructively engage in order to find an acceptable resolution to the matters at issue.”

The strike relates to a claim by Mandate Trade Union on behalf of its more than 250 members employed by LloydsPharmacy including:

A pay increase and incremental pay scales;

The introduction of a sick pay scheme;

Security of hours and the elimination of zero hour contracts; and

Improvements in annual leave entitlements and public holiday premiums.

The industrial action will effect almost 40 stores as the workers participate in an all day work stoppage.

Gerry Light, Mandate Assistant General Secretary, said:

“Our members in Lloyds Pharmacy are regrettably preparing for industrial action once again due to the irresponsible behaviour of senior management in Lloyds Pharmacy.

“Since the beginning of this dispute, the public have been very supportive of the striking workers, but now they have the backing of the Labour Court, the Minister for Business and politicians from every political party in the Oireachtas,” said Mr Light.

“Furthermore,” he added, “The Irish Congress of Trade Union is currently preparing members in other trade unions who deliver to Lloyds Pharmacy for an all-out picket. This is a highly unusual action and if successful, will mean their members would not pass any of our members’ pickets.”

Mr Light thanked campaigning group Uplift – People Powered Change for their support after more than 15,000 people signed their petition calling on the company to accept the Labour Court recommendation and engage with the workers through their Union.

“At 1pm today, Uplift will deliver more than 15,000 petitions signed by loyal customers to the Head Quarters of Lloyds Pharmacy’s parent company, McKesson Corporation, in Cork. All of the support our members are receiving is overwhelming.”

Mr Light concluded, “The public understand what this dispute is about. Lloyds Pharmacy is part of a highly profitable multi-national corporation who can easily afford to pay their workers a decent wage with fair conditions of employment, including the elimination of zero hour contracts and an adequate sick pay scheme. These workers look after their communities and in turn their company should look after them and respect their right to representation.”

McKesson Corporation is the largest pharmaceutical company in the world with revenues of €177 billion for 2017/2018.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITOR

Uplift will deliver a 6’ x 4’ prescription board calling for an end to zero hour contracts, a sick pay scheme, and fair pay and leave today (Wednesday 11th), at 1pm at McKesson HQ, 3300 Cork Airport Business Park, Kinsale Road. Further information on this event should be directed to Siobhan O’Donoghue on 087 6777463.

The full list of striking stores is available here.