PHARMACISTS covered by the Pharmacy Industry Award could see their pay increase by up to 18% over the coming months following a Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruling.
Employee pharmacists and pharmacy assistants will receive their pay rise by 5.5% from 01 Jul through a combination of the 3% National Wage increase, and a 2.5% bump in the Award.
The Commission has also mandated a further 2.5% increase to the Award from 01 Oct.
The decision to split the rollout of the 5% Award increase into two separate increments was made "to mitigate their effect on businesses".
Pharmacists who undertake home medicine reviews (HMRs) and residential medication management reviews (RMMRs), will receive an extra 10% pay boost.
Professional Pharmacists Australia CEO, Chris Walton, said the increases coincided with the union's growth.
"When you add that to more than 6% across the past two consecutive National Wage increases, pharmacists have seen an unprecedented 21% bump in pay," he said.
"Its no coincidence that the pharmacy sector is now the most heavily unionised that it has ever been...for the past three years, pharmacists have got organised through their union and fought against the odds -- and against the Pharmacy Guild of Australia -- and this is what happens when you get organised."
In a message to members, the Guild said the increases to HMR and RMMR allowances will amount to an additional $106.40 per week, for eligible pharmacists effective from 01 Oct.
"The Guild is analysing the impact of these decisions and more details will be sent to members next week," the message said.
"The Guild is also updating wage sheets and members will be advised when these are available," the update added.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Jun 19
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