Romanian Union Leaders Agree On Joint Protests Of Up To 80,000 People

Cartel Alfa president Bogdan Hossu said each confederation will consult its members about future protest action, and the leaders will meet again on Monday and decide on a joint strategy. He said the unionists' demands concern minimum wage, new jobs, the pension law and public sector wage law.

CNSLR Fratia president Marius Petcu said protests scheduled before October 7 will go ahead, but pointed out that union leaders are considering delaying the rally to mark the World Day for Decent Work on October 7, because there would not be enough time to mobilize around 80,000 people. An added reason is that some 10,000 education system unionists plan to hold a protest on October 5 and they might be unable to take to the streets again after just two days.

National Union Bloc (BNS) president Dumitru Costin said after the talks that the confederation leaders have taken an important step forward by setting aside their differences. The decision will be made Monday, once the results of the Supreme Defense Council (CSAT) meeting on Thursday are made public, since the unionists expect "surprises."

"We expect restrictions on certain union rights or the closing of some union structures," said Costin.

Recently, CNSLR-Fratia, Cartel Alfa and BNS have held separate rallies, involving thousands of people from each confederation. On September 24, a demonstration by police officers and other public servants turned into an unauthorized march on the presidential palace. In the aftermath of the illegal protest, the president and prime minister refused police escort and Interior Minister Vasile Blaga stepped down.

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