report: Maximiliano Crocamo
A new wave of industrial action swept Italy’s health sector this week, as pharmacy employees staged a strike on Thursday, one day after family doctors associated with the SNAMI union walked off the job. The latest protest targeted Federfarma, the national federation of private pharmacy owners, over stalled contract negotiations and what workers describe as a lack of professional and economic recognition.
In Trieste, employees gathered outside the Regional Government headquarters, holding signs and demanding a renewed national collective agreement. Workers say their roles have expanded significantly since the pandemic, without a corresponding adjustment in pay or status.
“Private pharmacies have undergone major changes during and after the pandemic,” said Matteo Calabrò of the UIL union. “Employees are asked to take on more services and responsibilities, yet there is no professional or economic acknowledgment for this increased workload.”
Union representatives argue that pharmacy staff played a crucial role in ensuring public access to medicines and basic health services during COVID-19 lockdowns — and deserve improved working conditions in return.
“We want Federfarma at the negotiating table,” said Diego Marini of the Cisl union. “The contract must be renewed to restore dignity to workers, the same workers who kept pharmacies open amid the pandemic for the benefit of the community.”
Marika Baio of the CGIL union outlined the core financial dispute, noting that unions are seeking €360 gross over three years, based on what she described as precise financial assessments. “Federfarma is currently offering only €180,” she said. “This proposal is completely unacceptable.”
Federfarma has previously said it is open to dialogue but must consider economic sustainability for pharmacy owners; representatives had no immediate comment on Wednesday’s strike.
Further demonstrations are expected as negotiations continue, marking a period of heightened unrest within Italy’s healthcare system, where workers across multiple professions say pandemic-era pressures have not been met with adequate reforms or compensation.
