First Day Of Talks Between Romanian Govt, Unionists Ends Without Results

Unionists requested a 25% increase for this category while the Government offered 15%, starting with November 1, for those with salaries between 600 and 700 lei (EUR1 = RON3.6844), said union confederation CNSLR Fratia President Marius Petcu.

 

He added two groups of experts will be created for both parties involved in talks. The experts will perform an analysis on the budget effort required for an increase in beginner salaries.

 

Petcu added the Government representatives refused to discuss the medium term strategy, namely the single salary law in the public sector.

 

"The Government bought another two or three days, but we will not give up on protests," Petcu said.

 

The CNSLR Fratia said that the law hiking teacher salaries was not discussed within the talks and the unions do not agree with a 25% increase in teacher salaries.

 

In her turn, labor minister Mariana Cimpeanu said the Government did not offer any percentage for the increase of beginner teacher salaries, because calculations need to be made.

 

At the same time, interior minister Cristian David said Tuesday and Wednesday the group of experts will analyze scenarios, with the main focus placed on beginners in the education system.

 

"We will analyze the consequences of a salary increase for beginners. 15% is one scenario for those entering the system, but the percentage will decrease depending on the salary levels. The group of experts will make calculations to learn an average percentage of increase for those entering the system. Experts need to analyze the impact on the budget, while the principles laying at the base of the single salary law in the public sector will be set Wednesday, and a format accepted by both parties will be found," said the interior minister.

 

David added unions and the Government will hold further meetings based on the results obtained by the experts panel.