Judges in Utrecht have rules that pharmacy assistants may not strike in support of their pay claim next week.

Pharmacy workers had planned to stop work on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and that would have meant pharmacies were closed all week because of the Christmas break.

Pharmacy owners went to court on Thursday evening calling for an emergency injunction to stop the strike. They say the walk out would be “completely irresponsible” and could cause irreversible problems for people who were unable to get their medication.

Last month pharmacy workers held their first ever national strike following nine weeks of relay strikes in support of a 6% rise and a minimum of €16 per hour. Assistants also want their pay to include the work they do before opening up shop in the morning.

Surveys among pharmacy assistants have shown that aggression is one of the main reasons people leave. In addition, working at a hospital can pay €600 to €800 more a month.