Romania energy workers launch protests over wages

Energy sector workers in Romania have initiated protests in Bucharest, Iaşi, and Constanţa to demand the unblocking of wage increases and the right to genuine collective bargaining. The Federation of National Energy Unions (FNER) stated that the actions follow failed attempts to resolve grievances through dialogue with the government and relevant ministries. Protesters are seeking to protect their purchasing power and ensure they can negotiate salaries based on company performance.

Simultaneously, internal tensions have emerged within the Complexul Energetic Oltenia (CEO). Jan Popescu, executive president of the Mine Energie Oltenia Union, has advocated for higher wages at the Rovinari Thermal Power Plant, arguing that the facility is critical to the company’s energy production. This demand has met resistance from mining employees, who emphasize that energy production relies fundamentally on coal extraction. These disputes occur as CEO faces declining personnel numbers and operational restructuring.