Moldova teacher strikes suspended ahead of September 1 talks
Trade unions representing Moldovan education and science professionals have suspended their nationwide protests scheduled for September 1, agreeing to resume salary talks with government officials. Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun confirmed that a new negotiation session will take place on September 1, with Prime Minister Vasile Tofan attending the discussions.
Under the interim agreement, all teaching personnel across universities, schools, and kindergartens, alongside researchers, will receive a net monthly salary supplement of €51 (approx. 1,000 MDL) starting in September. The government has also earmarked one-off payments of €102 (approx. 2,000 MDL) for auxiliary staff and €153 (approx. 3,000 MDL) for other non-teaching personnel.
Budgetary adjustments and disbursement schedule
Regional education directorates and academic institutions are currently compiling staff registries to finalize the financial allocations required for the upcoming September budget amendment. The Ministry announced during its weekly public briefing that the supplemental funds will be disbursed in October alongside regular September salaries.
In parallel with immediate relief measures, authorities and union leaders are negotiating a comprehensive public sector wage framework slated for enactment on January 1, 2027. Perciun stated that the proposal includes restructuring the existing merit-based pay system into a specialized targeted allowance, with formal drafts already submitted to the Ministry of Finance.
Union stance on future industrial action
The Trade Union Federation of Education and Science (FSEȘ) confirmed the protest suspension following an expanded executive bureau vote with regional delegates. Union leadership underlined that the pause is intended to prioritize social dialogue rather than abandon core financial demands.
FSEȘ warned that it will closely monitor government compliance with the proposed fiscal timetable. The federation reiterated its readiness to resume escalating industrial action if ongoing negotiations fail to yield binding structural commitments.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
