Romanian Union Leader Says New Labor Code Legalizes Slavery, Calls For Protests

Hossu said, after a meeting with Prime Minister Emil Boc on changes in labor legislation, that the Government has not included social partners' propositions in the Labor Code.

He said the Government's proposed changes to the Labor Code create an abnormal relationship between employer and employee, as employers may operate collective layoffs anytime and hire other people the very next day, which he deemed a form of slavery.

Hossu also said all social partners, except the National Council for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, were against the elimination of collective labor contracts.

The prime minister said the Government may seek a confidence vote in Parliament to adopt new labor legislation, adding a decision will be made after talks in the Government and the ruling coalition.

The latest draft of the code, obtained and presented Thursday by MEDIAFAX, eliminates all mentions of the single national collective labor contract and sets the probationary employment period at no longer than 90 calendar days, for both regular and management positions.

The labor unions oppose eliminating collective work contracts from the Code, arguing that terms such as working hours, conditions and minimum wage shall be abolished and workers might end up being paid less than they are worth.

Hossu said employees should take to violent protests in the streets if the Government seeks a confidence vote over labor laws. He added major trade unions will decide Monday on protests.

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