FOLLOW-UP to the labour conflict at the Romanian railway company

Railway unions continue to put pressure on the Romanian government and the company management whilst negotiation of collective labour agreement is on the way. What is at stake? The unions’ claim for a wage adjustment by 12% was agreed on, but ‘social costs’ are still part of the deal: the ministry of transport and the railway company want, for a change, to cut down 1600 more jobs from infrastructure. Moreover, they want green light from the unions for future restructuring programmes and reform of the rail transport. This, with no mention of trade union involvement or consultations! But what exactly does one mean by railway company restructuring? Some of the routes deemed unprofitable will given away to local authorities, will be leased to private parties and, unions believe, will be sooner or later closed down.

We’ll keep you informed. In the meantime, Drum de Fier would like to thank to all ITF and ETF affiliates who expressed their solidarity with the Romanian railway workers cause!