Romanian Govt Remains Open For Dialogue With Unions; Budget Constraints To Be Further Considered

Prime Minister Emil Boc told unionists on Saturday that the unitary salary law was drafted on budget resources estimated for 2011, when the salary fund are set at 39 billion lei (EUR1=RON4.2523).

Boc said the door to dialogue remains open, while also considering budget constraints, allowing the increase in funds for development and investments and ensuring the co-financing needed to absorb the European Union funds granted to Romania. He also pointed out that Romania aims in 2011 to absorb EU funds and uphold investments, which will allow fair salaries and pensions and the keeping of jobs, according to the press release.

Boc reminded that funds earmarked for the absorption of EU funds in 2011 are almost twice the funds earmarked in 2010.

Talks held Saturday between unionists and Boc failed, and unionists said they would continue protests, arguing talks brought them nothing but empty promises.

Talks held Friday between representatives of union confederations and Labor Minister Ioan Botis also failed and unionists said they would continue protests, as no concrete decision regarding their demands was made.