Romania's Salary Law Reform Faces Union Protests, Political Stalemate

The Romanian government’s draft Law on Unified Salary, a key reform needed to unlock about €770 million of PNRR funds, is caught in a dispute between the ruling coalition, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and public‑sector unions. PSD announced it will not support the bill unless it guarantees equity, stating “Nu vom mai accepta niciun compromis” and warning it could block the EU‑funded projects. Union leaders from the Blocul Național Sindical, Cartel Alfa, CNSLR Frăția and others demanded a separate salary grid for finance workers and warned they would “declanșa conflict colectiv de muncă” if their demands are ignored. The National Finance Public Union (SindFISC) organized a large protest at ANAF, urging a distinct pay scale to retain specialised staff. President Nicușor Dan said there are “pași foarte timizi spre reconciliere” and remains cautiously optimistic that the law may be adopted before the PNRR deadline of 31 August 2026. Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan defended the imperfect draft, arguing it “corectează parțial dezechilibrele” in public‑sector wages. Ongoing negotiations are aimed at reaching a compromise that satisfies both the funding requirements and union demands, while avoiding a parliamentary dead‑lock that could jeopardise billions of euros of European aid.