Italian pharmacy workers protest over private sector contract delays

Workers in Italy's private pharmacy sector are mobilizing to protest the lack of a renewed national collective agreement. While a contract renewal for public pharmacies was recently reached, providing monthly salary increases and new professional indemnities, the contract for private pharmacies, managed by Federfarma, expired on August 31, 2024.

Labor unions, including Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl, and Uiltucs, argue that current proposals from Federfarma do not sufficiently compensate for the rising cost of living. They also highlight that since January 1, 2026, pharmacies have been fully recognized as part of the National Health Service, requiring staff to perform expanded duties such as vaccinations, screenings, and electrocardiograms without corresponding pay increases.

A demonstration is scheduled in Rimini, involving approximately 500 local workers, as part of a broader national dispute affecting over 60,000 employees. Unions are demanding wage parity with special pharmacy employees and recognition of the increased professional responsibilities assumed by private pharmacy staff.