Romanian public sector unions threaten general strike over wage law

Public administration unions in Romania are collecting signatures for a potential general strike to demand the rapid adoption of a new wage law. While a previously suspended strike in the healthcare system remains a possibility, labor organizations are seeking guarantees that the demands made during previous negotiations with the Bolojan administration will be addressed by the current government.

Labor representatives are preparing for upcoming negotiations within the National Tripartite Council, focusing on wage increases and pensions amid rising living costs. There is a significant gap between union demands and available funding; while some estimates suggest up to 30 billion lei are needed to eliminate wage inequities, only 15 billion lei may be allocatable.

Minister of Labor Florin Manole has announced plans to launch a new version of the 2027 wage law project. Unions have requested that this draft be developed in partnership with labor representatives to avoid the complications encountered in previous years. Additionally, discussions regarding a potential increase in the minimum wage are expected, with unions requesting a gross increase of 675 lei, while employer representatives have called for a delay.