Baden-Württemberg blocks pharmacists' strike but allows limited protests on March 23

A planned nationwide strike by pharmacists on March 23 has faced legal challenges in Baden-Württemberg. The state's Social Ministry declared the protest unlawful, forcing organisers to adjust their approach. While some pharmacies may still close, others must now follow strict rules if they choose to open for limited hours that day.

The State Chamber of Pharmacists in Baden-Württemberg originally called for all pharmacies to close on March 23 as part of the protest. However, after the ministry ruled the strike illegal, the chamber withdrew its official call. Pharmacy managers can still decide to shut their doors but will now bear personal responsibility for doing so.

Under a general decree, pharmacies opting to remain open can do so for just three hours on the protest day. Those choosing this option must notify the Chamber electronically of their adjusted opening hours. The association has also encouraged members to show support in other ways, such as wearing high-visibility vests, dimming lights, or speaking with customers about the issues. The federal government has not directly addressed the protests in states where they remain permitted. However, Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU) backed the action, calling it the 'good right of pharmacy employees' to draw attention to difficult working conditions. This comes after the Bundesregierung rejected most proposed improvements to the Apothekenversorgung-Weiterentwicklungsgesetz (ApoVWG) from the Bundesrat.

The protest will now proceed under modified conditions, with Baden-Württemberg pharmacies facing legal restrictions. Those that open must limit hours and submit notifications, while others may close at their own risk. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over working conditions and regulatory reforms in the pharmacy sector.