There were union protests today at the Parliament, where the Government is taking responsibility for the package of fiscal measures.
The red heatwave alert in Bucharest did not stop public sector employees from taking to the streets to protest the measures announced by the Executive.
Sanitas union members, as well as those from Education, gathered at the Parliament equipped with hats, caps, umbrellas, as well as signs, vuvuzelas, and whistles to express their discontent, even though temperatures outside are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the shade.
In addition to the measures for which the Bolojan Government is assuming responsibility today, the protesters also denounce the cutting of bonuses for hazardous work conditions, which will reduce their monthly incomes by amounts ranging from 400 to 1,200 lei, a measure already adopted through an emergency ordinance. 600,000 civil servants receive the "antenna bonus."
In addition to the protest at the Parliament, various other civil servants express their dissatisfaction either at their workplaces, through vehement statements, or threats.
Spotmedia.ro provided the main information about the union protests:
13:20 - Government employees, through union representative Noni Iordache, strongly criticize the austerity measures proposed by the Executive, accusing the lack of consultation and the fact that the cuts target especially vulnerable categories, while "political sinecures and privileges" remain untouched.
12:23 - Protesters at the Parliament carry flags and signs demanding, among other things, "respect, equity, and stability for the public function, balance in salary, cutting political appointments in the public function," and also the criterion of competence, the only way of hiring in the public function.
Protesters wear hats in the specific colors of their profession, blue for education union members and red for those in Healthcare.
12:21 - The "MIPE Normality" Union warns the European Commission about the major risks generated by the reduction of incomes for personnel managing European funds, in the context of the fiscal-budgetary measures promoted by the Government. In an address sent to high-ranking European officials, the unionists argue that salary cuts endanger Romania's administrative capacity, severely affect the absorption of funds, and could ultimately lead to the suspension of payments from the EU. It is worth noting that on Friday there was a protest in Victory Square, where European Funds employees complained about their incomes being halved.
12:12 - Senate Unions accuse the Government of an "illegal and cynical attack" on salary rights, in the context of assuming responsibility. The reduction of bonuses for hazardous conditions, without consultation or legal basis, is deemed a serious abuse of power. Union representatives warn that if the situation is not remedied by September, they will resort to all legal means – including a possible institutional blockade.
11:45 - There are protests in other places in the capital and across the country. According to the National Trade Union Block, at Pension Houses, protests started Monday morning at 8:30. Also, in front of the Ministry of Agriculture, members of the National Federation AgroStar, representing employees from the Ministry of Agriculture and all agencies under APIA, AFIR, ADS, the Phytosanitary Agency, seed inspectorates nationwide, and agricultural directorates are protesting, as reported by Agerpres. Additionally, there is consideration of marching towards the Parliament Palace. Representatives of Mureșul Union from Romanian Waters are also protesting in all water management systems across the country.
11:20 - The protest at the Parliament has started. Dozens of buses with union members from all corners of the country have arrived in Bucharest for the announced protest at the Parliament Palace - Izvor Entrance, organized by several union federations.
Employees from various fields, especially in Healthcare and Education, are equipped with umbrellas to shield themselves from the strong sun, as well as the usual "arsenal" at protests - whistles, vuvuzelas, sirens, flags, signs, and banners.
Assumption with protests under red alert
The Sanitas Federation announced that on Monday, between 11:00 - 13:00, in Izvor Park, they will be joined by other public sector union federations. "We protest against the austerity measures affecting our members! This is just the beginning," warned Sanitas Federation representatives.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that healthcare employees have no reason to strike, as recent reductions will not affect their salaries: "Healthcare workers have no reason to strike because their salaries are not affected. Only the TESA staff have their hazardous work condition bonus affected. There is no reason for healthcare workers to strike."
Bolojan mentioned that today or on Friday, he will have meetings with union representatives.
Education union members are also at the Parliament on Monday protesting against the fiscal measures proposed by the Government, especially the increase in the teaching norm, meaning that teachers will work more hours at school for the same salary.
- Ilie Bolojan supports the increase in the teaching norm: "It's not a tragedy to teach 20 hours"
- How the scholarship system for students is changing. Three categories - social, merit, technological. Prizes for Olympians are increasing
Education employees are also unhappy about the reduction in hourly pay rates and the increase in the number of children in classes.
"As things stand, it is very likely that on September 8, the school year opening will take place in the streets in Bucharest and all cities in Romania. For the first time in the last 35 years, we are having a different opening. Teachers will be on the streets with students. Let's send a signal not only for Romania but also for other countries," said Simion Hăncescu, president of the Free Trade Unions Federation in Education, as quoted by Agerpres.
Minister of Education, Daniel David, stated that there will be no staff layoffs or salary changes in Education and Research, but incomes will decrease after changes in the hourly pay system.
According to the Constitution, the Opposition has three days to submit a vote of no confidence after presenting the program in Parliament.