Most pharmacies in Zuid-Holland and Zeeland will be closed Monday due to strikes

Most pharmacies in South Holland and Zeeland will be closed Monday and Tuesday due to strikes, according to labor unions FNV and CNV. The unions report that over 1,000 employees from 471 pharmacies in the provinces are walking off the job.

This weekend, pharmacy staff in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe have already gone on strike, following similar actions last weekend in Limburg and North Brabant. FNV and CNV are demanding a retroactive wage increase of at least 6 percent starting July 1, along with a minimum hourly wage of 16 euro (17.40 dollars). Negotiations have stalled, prompting unions to escalate their actions, the groups said.

Pharmacy employers have offered a 2 percent wage increase starting July 1, 2024, and an additional 5 percent increase on July 1, 2025. They argue that further raises are not financially feasible.

Despite the strike, emergency pharmacy services will remain available, ensuring that patients can still access medications in urgent situations, the unions said.

The strikes began in September with regional walkouts, followed by a nationwide strike and demonstration in The Hague. Around 10,000 pharmacy workers gathered at the Malieveld for a national day of action.