Sanitas health workers strike in Romania over new salary law

Around 20,000 members of the Sanitas trade union across Romania began an unlimited "Japanese" strike on 9 June 2026 to protest the government's draft unified salary law. In Gorj County, about 700 hospital staff joined the walkout, while unions in Mureș and other regions reported continued action on 10 June.

The unions demand a reference salary of 4,325 lei, fair coefficient adjustments and the retention of a 15 % shift premium for weekend work. They say medical services are still operating and patients are not affected, but they urge the government to withdraw the draft law and reopen negotiations.

The strike also spreads to affiliated pharmacy workers, highlighting broader discontent among public‑sector employees over perceived salary inequities.