Pharmacists back on the job

Four pharmacists were on duty and attending to the public, and there was a large crowd waiting for service. At 10.35 am the last number called was A62.

The PSA yesterday said the pharmacists did not engage in protest action on Monday but were attending a meeting. First vice-president of the PSA, Stephen Thomas, said he did not want to be prematurely optimistic but some "headway" was made in Monday’s discussions which began at 3.30 pm and ended at 6 pm.

He said, "We indicated to the CPO that we had no problem with the proposal for principal pharmacists and pharmacists IV — senior pharmacists, however for pharmacists I, II and III the offer she is making would adjust their salaries by a mere $200."

Thomas said the PSA has been in talks with the CPO about reclassification for three years, and the pharmacists have been waiting 30 years for their pay range to be adjusted. "If there is need for adjustment certainly $200 would mean absolutely nothing. These are professionals who have to study four years for their clinical degree."

Thomas said the union had revised its counter proposal for pharmacists I, II, III and indicated that it was willing to "look favourably" on the offer for senior pharmacists.

He said years ago pharmacists qualified with a diploma but today they study four years for a degree. Thomas said health care has become more sophisticated and medicine more complex.

"Their responsibility has grown immensely. Their job is a serious health care professional and that’s why they require higher qualifications." Pharmacists are required to monitor the patient’s regimen of drugs, counsel them on side effects and contraindications and advise the physician on alternative medications. Thomas criticised the "outdated" classification plan being used for the Public Service, saying it was devised in 1966.

He said the PSA had no problem with workers’ jobs being evaluated but the CPO had to "look at market rates than people fitting into a plan."

The PSA made it clear to the CPO that local pharmacists would not cooperate with the Filipinos until their issues are settled. Thomas said after dealing with reclassification, negotiations would move on to allowances.

Another meeting will take place tomorrow from 8 am at the CPO’s office on St Vincent Street. He said he hoped it would bring closure to the reclassification talks.