# Romanian energy sector labor unrest > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/romanian-energy-sector-labor-unrest > Updated: 2026-10-07T05:51:03.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. In September 2026, the Energy Workers Alliance (A.L.E.) was established in Brașov, Romania, as an independent labor union. The organization was formed to represent workers across the electric energy, natural gas, oil, and mining sectors, with a focus on protecting employees during industry transitions such as decarbonization and automation. By October 2026, labor unrest escalated as energy sector workers initiated protests in Bucharest, Iaşi, and Constanţa. These demonstrations, led by the Federation of National Energy Unions (FNER), demanded the unblocking of wage increases and the right to genuine collective bargaining following failed dialogues with the government. Internal disputes also emerged within the Complexul Energetic Oltenia (CEO). Tensions rose between mining employees and representatives at the Rovinari Thermal Power Plant over wage demands and the relative importance of coal extraction versus energy production, occurring amidst operational restructuring and declining personnel numbers. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-07: Romania energy workers launch protests over wages Energy workers in Romania are protesting in multiple cities to demand wage increases and collective bargaining rights, amid internal disputes over pay scales within the Complexul Energetic Oltenia. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-energy-workers-launch-protests-over-wages ### 2026-09-21: Energy Workers Alliance launches new independent union in Romania The Energy Workers Alliance (A.L.E.) has launched in Romania as an independent union representing workers in the electricity, gas, oil, and mining sectors. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-workers-alliance-launches-new-independent-union-in-romania --- Cite as: Romanian energy sector labor unrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/romanian-energy-sector-labor-unrest