PROFESSIONAL Pharmacists Australia has launched a campaign which proposes increasing the pay of community pharmacists by 30%.
Late last week the union group released a report it says shows that "despite the 5-year university degree and the important role they play in the health system, pharmacists are among the lowest paid workers in Australia".
The Community Pharmacists Employment and Remuneration Report claims that while pharmacist training is comparable with that of a doctor, pharmacists earn as little as $27 per hour "and now they're having their penalty rates cut too" according to Professionals Australia ceo Chris Walton.
"The role of pharmacist in our health system has increased over the years to include health consultations, vaccinations and script management - particularly for older people and the rising population with chronic conditions.
"Pay has not increased to reflect that change," Walton fumed.
The 46-page report cites ABS data showing the average annual salary of a pharmacist is $66,955 as well as collating survey responses from pharmacists showing median wage growth of just 0.5%.
The report says pay was highest at National Pharmacies where pharmacists were paid $41.50 per hour on average, and lowest at Chemist Warehouse where the mean rate was $30.52 per hour.
See professionalsaustralia.org.au.
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