On March 13, 2025, a meeting was held between trade union representatives and Federfarma (The Italian Association of Pharmacies) regarding the renewal of the national collective labour contract for private pharmacies. The main focus of the discussions were staff classifications and salaries. The unions aim to recognize and value professional skills, considering transformations and evolution in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as new regulations in force.
The unions requested a salary increase to recover the loss of purchasing power suffered during the years of validity of the previous contract due to a significant increase in inflation (based on the IPCA index), bearing in mind high professionalism in the sector.
Despite extensive dialogue, significant differences remain on the issue of classification and positions. Federfarma maintains that pharmacists must perform all health-related activities without distinction, focusing on the mandatory performance of health-related duties related to service pharmacies. Contrarily, the trade unions continue to defend the principle of volunteering and recognition, both in terms of roles and payment, for duties that are added to the traditional roles of a pharmacist, enhancing professional growth and making the Q2 level effectively applicable.
Regarding salaries, the gap is also considerable. Federfarma proposed an initial increase of 120.00 euros, viewed as unacceptable and leaving no room for possible compromise. Federfarma’s reasoning, a need for a sustainable salary increase for pharmacies, is deemed implausible by the unions. Unanimously, they rejected the proposal, calling it humiliating for workers who have received a mere increase of 80.00 euros in 12 years and are still suffering from past disregard of pharmacists’ crucial professional and social roles.
The union delegation encouraged Federfarma to review their positions, emphasizing that if the differences are not reduced, it would not allow effective continuation of the discussions aimed at signing the expired contract in a short time.
Negotiations will continue on April 2, 15, and 16.
