Minimum Wage Issue Pushes Nearly 100 Unionists Into Protest Rallies At Govt HQ

Nearly 100 unionists joined Wednesday morning the protest rally at the Romanian government’s headquarters demanding the increase in the minimum wage to 600 lei (EUR1-RON3.5934) as of July 1.

5 views

Unionists said they are determined to protest every day unless their demands are met.

Bogdan Hossu, president of the "Cartel Alfa" National Union Confederation, said the unionists obtained the authorization allowing them to protest until Friday.

The government said the union leaders would meet with Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu and with economy and labor ministers for talks on core issues, which are equally important for all parties engaged in talks.

The government, unions and employers agreed in December last year to set the minimum wage at RON500 in the fist half of the year, and increase it to RON540 as of the second half, if macroeconomic indicators allow it.

Romanian minister of economy and finance Varujan Vosganian recently rejected unions' demands for the increase in the minimum wage to RON540, saying Romania failed to meet the inflation target and labor productivity criteria.

Vosganian said the three criteria needed for the government to up the minimum wage are gross domestic product growth, inflation and labor productivity, stressing Romania only met its economic growth target.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.