Romanian hospitals to hold two‑hour warning strike on July 20

The Federation of Health Workers (SANITAS) announced a two‑hour warning strike for 20 July 2026, from 09:00 to 11:00, in roughly 480 – 540 public hospitals across Romania. During the strike only emergency services and about one‑third of routine activities will be maintained; admissions, scheduled consultations and non‑emergency surgeries will be suspended.

The action targets the government’s economic and social policies, especially the draft unified salary law that reduces hazard pay, meal allowances, vacation vouchers and blocks many staff positions. SANITAS says the public‑health system needs about 30 000 additional workers to cover current shortages. Union president Iulian Pope warned that if the demands are not met a general strike, scheduled for 28 July and potentially open‑ended, will follow.

Key demands include restoring salary rights established in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, reversing reductions of overtime, hazard and weekend premiums, guaranteeing non‑discriminatory access to food allowances and vacation vouchers, and reopening real dialogue with Parliament before any salary legislation is passed. Ambulance services are exempt from the strike by law and will continue operating. SANITAS stressed the protest is not directed against patients; emergency care will be ensured throughout.