Romanian Cops Demand Protection, Higher Wages

The head of the National Union of Police Officers and Customs Police Officers “Pro Lex,” Vasile Lincu, told MEDIAFAX that the number of assaults against police officers has grown “alarmingly” lately, "and authorities do not take any measures."

"I asked the Ministry of Interior and Administrative Reform to show me the latest statistics regarding assaults against police officers, as well as the salaries in the area, because the number of assaults against police officers has grown alarmingly. In addition, according to the protocol signed by the ministry in October, the wages of police officers were set to rise by 27%, but they only rose by 3%," Lincu said.

He added the unionists requested, on countless occasions, bonuses for patrol officers, a bonus granted in all European Union countries.

Another Pro Lex complaint consists of the fact that police officers benefit from a maximum 120 hours of overtime every year, a number of hours that can be put in over three-four months, and then the officers are on duty 24/7 but without any extra pay. This is matter is currently addressed in court as the unionists sued the Ministry.

On the other hand, unionists say they are displeased that the statute of the police officers, long debated with the Interior Ministry, has not yet been implemented, even though it was agreed upon by unionists as well as the authorities.