Metrorex employees threaten general strike over wage demands

Employees of the Metrorex subway system in Bucharest are threatening a general strike if negotiations for a new collective labor agreement do not progress by November 1. The union, Unitatea – Sindicatul Liber Metrou (USLM), is demanding a salary increase of approximately 450 lei and the indexation of incomes.

Union leaders have criticized the Metrorex Board of Directors, alleging that the mandate of the negotiating commission is largely illegal and violates existing laws. While the administration has cited limitations imposed by emergency ordinances to oppose wage hikes, union representatives argue that other public service companies in the country have successfully negotiated similar terms.

In addition to financial demands, workers are calling for improved occupational health and safety measures. Specifically, they are seeking better ventilation systems to address high concentrations of suspended dust in stations and tunnels, which they claim exceeds sanitary limits by eight times. The potential strike poses a significant risk of paralyzing underground transport in the capital.