Pharmacy staff have gone on strike again, citing years of insufficient pay despite government funds meant to adjust wages for inflation in the healthcare sector. The whereabouts of these funds remain unclear.
Since summer, negotiations between unions and pharmacists have stalled. The first national strike occurred in November, with plans for another around Christmas halted by the courts.
Employers express solidarity but claim a lack of funds, which labor representatives argue is not the workers’ problem. The funds, known as OVA, are intended for wage increases but have not reached pharmacy staff, unlike other healthcare sectors.
Disputes continue over the allocation of these funds, with accusations of them vanishing into a “black hole.” The Ministry of Health states it has no oversight on how these funds are used by pharmacies. Insurers claim compliance with regulations, yet face accusations of withholding funds.
Employers suggest contracts with insurers restrict wage increases. Meanwhile, workers remain underpaid, with no resolution in sight.
Source: NOS