Romanian customs workers launch nationwide protest, warning of border delays

The National Meridian Trade Union, representing more than a third of employees of the Romanian Customs Authority, announced a nationwide protest starting on 28 May 2026. Workers will apply “strict and rigorous” customs controls at border points and inland facilities, conducting detailed checks of documents and goods. The union says the action is driven by grievances over the draft salary‑law, poor working conditions, staff shortages and the lack of institutional dialogue.

The protest does not intend to halt operations, but the union cautioned that “the rigorous implementation of procedures can lead to increased waiting times at border crossings and delays in processing customs operations”. Officials have been informed of a possible warning strike and a general strike, and the union is demanding urgent negotiations and concrete solutions from the authorities. The heightened controls are expected to affect traffic between Romania and neighbouring Moldova, potentially causing longer queues for transport operators and travelers.

The union’s communiqué emphasized that the measures aim to draw attention to longstanding issues that have remained unresolved for years and called for an urgent dialogue with decision‑makers.