Romanian Police To Reduce Activity In Protest To Wage Cuts

He said police officers will work 25% less because they are paid 25% less and will no longer attend hearings in criminal cases, apply fines and direct traffic. Gruia added some unionists pushed for a full-blown strike.

„As of September 20, certain activities will be reduced. Police officers will be out in the field, but will stay in fixed locations and will only respond to emergency calls,” Gruia said, adding the traffic police will no longer direct traffic and will only give warnings, not fines.

The union leader said the action is meant to warn authorities not to pressure police workers because that might trigger unprecedented riots.

He also said the union has requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Emil Boc but has yet to receive a response. Gruia also said police workers will not call strike and will not join strikes planned by other public sector workers but are protesting in the same way magistrates did in September 2009, adding they expect similar resolutions.