Moldova trade unions protest for better wages and conditions
The National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova organized a new protest today, December 19, in front of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.
The participants, including teachers, employees of the State Hydrometeorological Service, workers from the Moldova Railway Company, and other sectors, are expressing dissatisfaction with their wages and demanding significant improvements in working conditions.
Protesters arrived carrying placards expressing their grievances: "We want justice, this can’t go on!", "Invest in an Educated Moldova," "Don’t drive young teachers out of the country!"
The protesters continue to demand that the minimum wage be set at 6,000 lei starting January 1, 2025, to serve as a reference for state budget planning, an increase of reference values by 35%, including for employees in education, culture, social services, public order, and other sectors, as well as the allocation of 50 million lei for sanatorium treatments for insured individuals.
MP Radu Marian stepped forward in front of the crowd, attempting to ease the discontent. He noted that the authorities had managed to raise teachers' salaries by 14-15% for those with teaching degrees, II, I, and higher, which translates to an average increase of 3,000-4,000 lei. "I know it’s not enough, but this is what we have been able to do within the constraints of the budget. Over the past four years, salaries in education have increased by 50%. We are doing what we can with the available resources," Marian said.
However, those present at the protest reiterated that the increases were insufficient and are calling for solutions for all professional categories, not just for teachers with degrees.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
