# Moldovan labor market and wage developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/moldovan-labor-market-and-wage-developments > Updated: 2026-09-25T06:21:14.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 5. In the second quarter of 2026, the Republic of Moldova reported a 9.2% year-on-year increase in average monthly gross wages, reaching 16,895.7 lei. After adjusting for inflation, real wages grew by 2.3% compared to 2025. The information and communications sector saw the highest earnings, while the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector recorded the lowest. Following these trends, Moldovan social partners met in mid-September 2026 to discuss economic issues including taxation and healthcare staffing. The National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova (CNSM) proposed increasing the minimum wage to approximately 8,000 lei by January 1, 2027, to align with EU Directive 2022/2041. The CNSM also argued the current 6,300 lei minimum wage should rise to at least 7,300 lei to cover the subsistence level for workers with children and address pension system imbalances. Polina Fisticanu of the CNSM noted that current wage levels prevent individuals from calculating sufficient minimum pensions, forcing the state to cover gaps from the budget. Gender inequality remains a concern; UN Women reported that in 2025, women earned 15.46% less than men on average. By late September, the CNSM raised new alarms regarding proposed public sector salary legislation. Union leaders warned that projected 2027 increases might not improve purchasing power if they fail to outpace inflation, which has reached 11.2%. Specifically, they contested a proposal to reduce annual bonuses from 50% to 20%, estimating losses of 1,707 lei for teachers and 2,251 lei for Ministry of Internal Affairs officers. The Ministry of Finance has stated it will analyze all feedback from the consultation process. ## Claims - Reducing the annual bonus from 50% to 20% would result in income losses for public sector workers. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Salary increases in 2027 may be absorbed by inflation if wage growth does not exceed the inflation rate. (single source) - Specific income losses for public sector roles would include 1,707 lei for teachers and 2,251 lei for Ministry of Internal Affairs officers if bonuses are reduced. (single source) - The Federation of Education and Science Unions proposes raising the one-time bonus ceiling from 2% to 10%. (single source) - The Sindlex Federation of Trade Unions supports maintaining the one-time bonus at 5% and the annual bonus at 50%. (single source) - Unions are requesting the reference value for public order and state security employees be increased from 4,200 lei to 4,700 lei. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-25: Moldovan trade unions warn of income losses in new salary law Moldovan trade unions are protesting proposed salary law changes, warning that reducing annual bonuses from 50% to 20% will cause significant income losses for public sector workers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldovan-trade-unions-warn-of-income-losses-in-new-salary-law ### 2026-09-18: Moldova faces wage inequality and minimum wage concerns Moldovan unions are calling for a minimum wage increase to 7,300 lei, while UN Women reports a 15.46% gender pay gap in the country. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-faces-wage-inequality-and-minimum-wage-concerns ### 2026-09-18: Moldovan trade unions hold meetings on labor rights and workplace equality Moldovan trade unions held meetings in Chișinău and Florești to discuss cultural workers' rights, labor inspections, equal opportunities, and the prevention of workplace sexual harassment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldovan-trade-unions-hold-meetings-on-labor-rights-and-workplace-equality ### 2026-09-15: Moldovan trade unions propose minimum wage increase to 8,000 lei Moldovan trade unions are negotiating for a minimum wage increase to approximately 8,000 lei by 2027 to align with EU standards and address rising living costs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldovan-trade-unions-propose-minimum-wage-increase-to-8000-lei ### 2026-09-02: Moldova and Brăila report varying wage trends in 2026 Wages in Moldova rose 9.2% year-on-year in Q2 2026, while earnings in Brăila, Romania, remain 18.8% below the national average despite recent growth. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moldova-and-brila-report-varying-wage-trends-in-2026 --- Cite as: Moldovan labor market and wage developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/moldovan-labor-market-and-wage-developments