Romanian Postal Workers Strike Over Low Pay
Thousands of Romanian postal workers went on strike to protest low wages. According to the Romanian Postal Workers' Union, employees are demanding a net salary increase of 400 Romanian lei (about 80 euros) and an increase in the loyalty bonus granted in instalments.
The company's management announced that salaries will be paid on time and that all work will be completed, but did not comment on the protesters' demands.
"I don't know who can live on the minimum wage, pay for a lot of medicine, and pay for travel to work in order to serve people. We want decent salaries, a decent living," said one worker.
Quotes from other workers highlight the low wages and frustration felt by the union members.
"The company's management disregarded our concerns and effectively made a mockery of negotiations. The general strike is motivated by the fact that almost 16 thousand people in two months will have the minimum wage. It is motivated by the fact that the general director has granted discretionary salary increases only to those he favours," a union representative stated.
13 Romanian Post employees were sent to Bucharest to replace those who went on strike. It is worth mentioning that about 20 percent of all Romanian Post employees have signed for the organisation of the strike.
Thus, workers from 30 counties expressed their dissatisfaction with the salaries.
According to the Romanian Postal Workers' Union, the strike will continue until the main demand, regarding salaries, is resolved.
Approximately 21,000 employees work at Romanian Post.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
