Moldova debates new vacation‑leave formula as unions reject reduction

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova has proposed changing the calculation of annual paid leave from 28 calendar days to 22 working days, a move it says will standardise practice and align with a Swedish‑style model. The minister, Mihai Gabriel‑Ciobanu, explained that the new formula treats each vacation day as equivalent to a worked day and will, in his view, be more advantageous for employees.

Trade unions strongly oppose the proposal, arguing it breaches International Labour Organization Convention 132 and Moldova’s EU Association Agreement. They contend the current legislation already guarantees 24 working days of leave and that any reduction would diminish workers’ protection. A union statement reads: “Considerăm că această modificare nu este suficient argumentată și ridică serioase semne de întrebare cu privire la respectarea angajamentelor internaționale asumate de Republica Moldova.” The unions call for maintaining a 24‑day working‑week vacation standard.

The debate also touches on the planned removal, from 1 January 2027, of extra leave granted to certain public‑sector officials, which the ministry says will eliminate large accumulated leave balances.