The strike by pharmacists and chemists expanded on Friday. However, the majority of pharmacies will remain open in spite of the work stoppage.
The Union of Pharmacists says customers should expect longer waiting times and shorter opening hours. Over one-third of the country's more than 800 pharmacies are affected by the strike over pay and other issues. Fewer than 40 pharmacies will be completely closed by the industrial action.
Negotiations between the Pharmacists' Union and employers failed to reach agreement on Thursday. The two sides are scheduled to meet again next Tuesday.
The Union warns the strike could be expanded to include 60 percent of pharmacies in early December, if an agreement is not reached before then. The strike began last Monday.
