Romania's SANITAS union launches two‑hour health warning strike on July 20
The Federation of SANITAS trade unions in Romania announced a two‑hour warning strike for public hospitals on Monday, 20 July 2026, from 09:00 to 11:00. The action is scheduled in roughly 400‑500 facilities across the country, including hospitals in Alba, Maramureș, Constanța, Iași, Târgu Mureș and other regions. During the strike emergency services and at least one‑third of normal activity will be maintained.
SANITAS says the protest targets the draft law on public‑sector salaries, which it claims perpetuates pay inequities, reduces night‑and‑weekend shift bonuses and undermines the earnings of medical and social‑care staff. Union president Iulian Pope stated that the government “forced us toward this strike” by pushing a salary law without genuine social dialogue.
The unions warned that if the government does not reopen negotiations, a general, unlimited strike will begin on 28 July, potentially paralyzing most hospital services nationwide. Authorities have not yet provided a response.