Romanian Unions Threaten To Sue Govt Over Unpaid Leave In Public Sector

 Vasile Marica, head of the Alliance of Public Servants "Sed Lex," said Friday, at the end of talks at the Finance Ministry headquarters, that the unionists in the sector disagree with forcing state employees to take tens days off without pay, adding the Government must find a way not to breach the Labor Code.

"We disagree with the ten-day unpaid vacation, therefore, we’ll have to sue the Government. I can see the government leaves us no other choice," Marica said.

In turn, finance minister Gheorghe Pogea assured the unionists that this measure would be applied while observing the law.

"Unions are free to sue the government if it breaches the law. We shall find a way for public sector employees in Romania to take unpaid vacation while observing the law," Pogea said.

In turn, Vasile Turcu, head of Employers’ Confederation in Industry (CONPIROM), said the unions and employers’ associations must understand the harsh economic situation Romania faces and accept the measures taken by the government.

Romel Neagu, executive president of the National Federation of Unions in the Local Public Administration, pointed out the unionists would stick to the calendar of protests scheduled as of October 1. He also said the unionists are displeased that if this draft is approved, then, beside the ten-day unpaid vacation, the Government will also reduce other incomes, namely, the funds earmarked for professional achievements, vacation bonuses and the 13th salary.

Octavian Luca, vice-president of the National Union Confederation "Cartel Alfa," said the Government’s proposition regarding the ten-day unpaid vacation should be discussed at the level of each institution in order to find ways to cut spending.

On August 11, finance minister Gheorghe Pogea said public sector employees will take unpaid vacations between September and November, will shorten working hours to six from eight per day or simply work ten days less to cut budget spending by 0.3% of GDP.

Mid-August, Romanian President Traian Basescu said forcing public sector employees to take ten days off without pay is not the right solution, and recommended staff cuts based on performance evaluations.

 

 

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