Moldova teachers to protest in Chisinau over delayed salary hikes
Education workers will protest on Wednesday, August 19, in Chisinau’s Great National Assembly Square, demanding that authorities honor promised salary increases starting September 1. The rally, organized by the Education and Science Trade Union Federation (FSEȘ), will take place between 09:00 and 11:30 AM.
Union leaders emphasize that competitive pay is vital to retaining qualified personnel and preventing a worsening workforce shortage. The protest agenda includes speeches, the adoption of a formal resolution, and the official delivery of demands to government offices.
Government promises swift resolution
The Executive maintains that increasing teacher salaries remains its top priority and promises to present viable solutions shortly. Government spokesman Dumitru Ciorici acknowledged that teachers' expectations are fully legitimate and noted that several cabinet meetings have taken place to identify funding options.
Education Minister Dan Perciun previously assured stakeholders that a definitive solution would be finalized within two weeks. Draft wage legislation is currently under review, with public consultations scheduled to close on August 21. Finance Minister Victoria Belous confirmed that no public sector employee will see a pay reduction relative to last year.
Escalation plans and budget constraints
Unions warned that if pay increases are delayed past September 1, nationwide protests will continue throughout the month. FSEȘ plans to declare a state of emergency in the education sector on October 1, followed by a nationwide strike and boycott of official celebrations on World Teachers' Day, October 5.
Ministry proposals for temporary monthly allowances of €150–€205 (approx. 3,000–4,000 MDL) were rejected by unions as an inadequate substitute for permanent base pay increases. Meanwhile, President Maia Sandu explained that budget revenue collections were disrupted by unexpected external developments, including energy market instability and geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
