Bucharest Transport Company (STB) has initiated a voluntary departure program, one of the first measures provided in the company’s restructuring plan, before the insolvency procedure is opened.
According to documents approved by the General Council of the Capital and consulted by Profit.ro, the program targets approximately 700-800 employees and will take place after consulting the union. Employees who choose to amicably terminate their employment relationships, as well as those laid off under the law, will receive compensatory salaries, paid gradually.
The restructuring plan, however, does not affect drivers, tram drivers, and operating workers, who will be retained to ensure the functioning of public transport.
"A restructuring process will follow that will not affect drivers, tram drivers, and workers. That's what I was informed of and agreed upon with STB," said Mayor Ciprian Ciucu.
Up to 12 compensatory salaries, but funds are limited
The law allows for a maximum of 12 compensatory salaries in the case of collective dismissals, but STB's collective labor agreement provides for between 16 and 20 average gross salaries, depending on the employee's seniority.
However, the company's management argues that the provisions of the law prevail, and the approved fund for compensatory payments is 32 million lei. According to STB representatives, the amount covers approximately four average gross salaries for each employee included in the program, with the company's average gross salary being 9,837 lei.
STB Director, Andrei Bighea, warned that the company expects litigation arising from the restructuring process. "We expect quite a few lawsuits with a significant value. We cannot afford the risk of not being properly represented," he said at the General Council meeting.
The plan aims to reduce expenses
STB's management estimates that the voluntary departure program and collective layoffs will reduce the company's expenses by approximately 8 million lei per month, after paying compensatory salaries.
The efficiency plan also includes a reduction of at least 30% in management positions and halving the number of directors, a measure that is expected to bring additional savings of approximately 400,000 lei per month.