Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin yesterday called off directives issued to pharmacists working in government dispensaries.

The union called off the action after it reached an agreement with the Health Department over salary scales for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Through the agreement, the process of appointing senior pharmacists in primary care will be accelerated. In the coming days, the department will also implement an agreement it reached with the UĦM a few months ago. Numerous public services will be created as a result, while pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will receive "adequate compensation".

The UĦM had last Thursday ordered workers in government pharmacies to open one hour late and close one hour early because of government delays in filling vacancies for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

The union had said the workers should not work overtime after 1.30 p.m. and should not answer e-mails, phones or faxes except in emergencies. They were also instructed to keep the pharmacies closed on Saturdays.