Romanian Unions Rallying In Bucharest Threaten To Go On Full Strike As Of May 31

„We’re not leaving here until they (the government) do,” said Bogdan Hossu, leader of the Cartel Alfa union confederation.

Tens of thousands of people are protesting outside the government building Wednesday, trying to pressure authorities’ into watering down their austerity plan that entails wage cuts of 25% and pension and social welfare cuts of 15%.

The Government is working on drastic public spending measures in a bid to tighten the country’s budget deficit at 6.8% of GDP in order for the International Monetary Fund and other international institutions to release a new installment of a EUR20 billion rescue loan agreed last year.

Spending cut announcements have sparked waves of social unrest and mounting tension and most social categories have been protesting in the street and calling on the government and president to resign.

Teachers and public administration workers have already said they will go on full-blown strike as of May 31, and they might be joined by healthcare workers. Railway workers have threatened to freeze railway transport if the 25% wage cut is enforced.

Wednesday’s rally started at 11 a.m. and is attended by 40,000 to 60,000 people according to union leaders, but security forces say only around 20,000 are present. Meanwhile, thousands of other people, who say they aren’t affiliated to any union, are protesting on streets leading to the square. The rally is set to end at 1 p.m. and the Government will hold it’s weekly Cabinet meeting as of 3 p.m..