Moldovan education unions announce protests over delayed salary increases

The Trade Union Federation of Education and Science (FSEȘ) has announced a series of protest actions in Moldova due to uncertainty regarding promised salary increases for teaching and research staff. The union claims that the government has failed to guarantee that salary hikes, originally scheduled for September 1, 2026, under Law no. 270, will be implemented.

Following failed consultations with the Ministry of Education and Research, the union rejected proposals for temporary financial compensations ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 lei, stating these cannot substitute for permanent salary increases. FSEȘ has called on Prime Minister Vasile Tofan to provide a clear and committed implementation calendar.

The planned protest schedule includes a picketing action in front of the Government on August 19. If the increases are not applied by September 1, the union intends to launch national protests throughout the month. Additionally, the federation is considering declaring a ‘State of Emergency in Education’ on October 1 and plans a large-scale national action, including the boycotting of official festivities, on October 5 to mark World Teachers' Day.