Romanian customs workers threaten general strike over contract and pay

Around 1,200 customs officers employed by the Romanian Customs Authority (AVR) staged a two‑hour warning strike on Wednesday, protesting the failure to conclude a collective labour agreement and objections to a new public‑employee salary law. Union leader Voinea Negoiță told AGERPRES that the strike could expand into a general walk‑out if authorities continue to ignore their demands for better working conditions, professional training and parity with border police and veterinary staff.

The dispute coincides with a leadership change at the AVR: interim prime minister Ilie Bolojan appointed Ioana Bădescu as the new customs chief, replacing Mihai Savin, who resigned and was placed under 60‑day judicial control for alleged intellectual fraud and complicity in falsification. Union officials urged the new management to engage in transparent negotiations to avoid a broader strike that could disrupt border trade and security.