Pharmacists threaten Monday go-slow

FOLLOWING on the heels of this week’s two-day sick-out, Newsday learnt the Regional Health Authorities may be facing “go-slow” action by pharmacists come Monday. The sickout, which took place last Monday and Tuesday, was aimed at getting the authorities to expedite action on their demands for enhanced salaries and allowances. Pharmacists also want the supply of drugs at public health institutions to be improved. Newsday has learnt that Carolyn Washington-Aigle, human resources manager in the SouthWest Regional Health Authority, will lead the Joint Negotiating Team of Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) to report to the Health Ministry on the allowances being proposed by the pharmacists. No date has been set for a meeting with the pharmacists.

On Tuesday, the Permanent Secretaries in the Health Ministry called a meeting of RHA human resource and industrial relations managers to discuss the pharmacists’ issue. It was decided that a committee comprising all the RHAs will meet with the representatives of the pharmacists and make “appropriate recommendations.” A report is expected within three weeks. The salaries and reclassification of pharmacists are being handled by the office of the Chief Personnel Officer. A source told Newsday the Public Services Association would be presented with the proposal next week. A pharmacist contacted Newsday yesterday to clarify the salary and allowances which were published Tuesday. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the pharmacist said salaries would be based on ranges, denying the report that all pharmacists would receive a basic salary of $10,000. Providing a breakdown of what they are proposing, the source said a pre-registered pharmacist should get $5,459, Pharmacist 1 (not responsible) $6,774, Pharmacist 1 (responsible) $8,358, Pharmacist 2 $9,619 and Pharmacist 3, $9,288.

Pre-registered pharmacists must work six months before gaining registration, and those who are “not responsible” must work under supervision for one year. Among the allowances they are proposing is a professional allowance, $2,000, Cost of Living Allowance, $60, Travelling $1,300, and Aseptic allowance of $2,000 for pharmacists working with chemotherapy medications and mixing TPN (liquid food). The source denied reports  pharmacists were seeking an education allowance. The pharmacist said this allowance would apply to pharmacists working at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, which is the only facility with a sterile room to do this type of work. They also want an Incentive Allowance of 25 percent of basic salary. The source said the cost of education for pharmacists has increased over the years as courses have become more advanced. While diplomas were offered in the past, pharmacists can now study for degrees.