Boots Pharmacists’ Association merges with PDA Union

The merger marks the end of the Boots Pharmacists’ Association (BPA)’s 51-year history as an independent organisation  

After over half a century of operation, the Boots Pharmacists’ Association (BPA) will cease as a separate organisation and merge into the PDA Union, effective 1 January 2025.

This landmark decision follows extensive discussions between the two organisations, approval from the trade union regulator, and strong support from BPA members, with 96 per cent voting in favour of the merger via postal ballot.

The merger means that existing BPA members will automatically transfer to the PDA Union, joining thousands of other PDA members employed at Boots. Transferred members will receive regular updates from the PDA.

Founded in 1973, the BPA was originally formed as the Joint Boots Pharmacists Association (JBPA), uniting local groups such as Strathclyde Boots Pharmacists and Birmingham and District Boots Pharmacists.

It was established to present a united voice against the proposal from the then European Common Market that individual pharmacists should own pharmacy equipment and medicines in their pharmacies. Recognised as a trade union in 1979, the JBPA rebranded as the Boots Pharmacists’ Association in 1997 to reflect its status as a membership organisation.

In 2012, the BPA achieved formal recognition from Boots. However, in 2018, pharmacists at Boots voted to derecognise the BPA, subsequently recognising the PDA Union in 2019.

Despite this, the BPA and PDA Union maintained a collaborative and professional relationship, meeting periodically to discuss matters of concern to pharmacists.

As the BPA marked its 50th anniversary in 2023, its leadership acknowledged that continuing as a separate organisation was not sustainable long-term.

Following extensive talks, the BPA and PDA Union announced in October that they had reached an agreement on the terms of a merger. The proposal was formally approved by the trade union regulator before being presented to BPA members for a vote via ballot.

Khuram Ahmad, chairman of the BPA, stated: “BPA Executive Committees have led our association for over half a century and have now secured a future for the membership which they have confirmed that they want. We will ensure a smooth transition to the PDA Union at year end.”

Mark Pitt, general secretary of PDA Union, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting that the PDA is "the only trade union exclusively for pharmacists."

"We look forward to welcoming hundreds more into PDA membership through this merger," he added.