A strike by pharmacists and dispensers has begun after negotiations failed Sunday night. The pharmacists' union is demanding a wage increase of 17 percent, or an average 500 euros a month more. However, the majority of pharmacies will remain open as the strike mainly affects smaller pharmacies. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the union is threatening to further expand the strike later this week. Employers will try to keep as many pharmacies as possible open using non-union employees and management. However, customers should expect delays and limited opening hours. The union is threatening to further expand the strike on Wednesday and again on Friday if a contract deal is not struck. The employers' side insists that even then, less than 40 small branch pharmacies would be forced to close. There are just over 800 pharmacies in Finland. A list of open pharmacies and opening hours is available (in Finnish) online at www.apteekit.net.
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