Florin Manole calls for dialogue between trade unions and employers in the dispute over raising the minimum wage: “The current moment calls for balance”

Labor Minister Florin Manole is calling on unions and employers to engage in balanced dialogue over an increase in the minimum wage, amid unions’ request for it to rise from 4,325 to 5,000 lei. Employers have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal, while the minister argues that the current moment calls for consultation and evidence, not inflexible positions.

In an interview with Libertatea, Florin Manole said that employers had criticized minimum wage increases even when Romania was recording 7.9% economic growth. He said that the warnings issued at the time about possible negative effects on the labor market were either based on incorrect calculations or made in bad faith.

The minister stressed that the decision must be discussed within the Tripartite Committee, with the participation of unions, employers and the authorities. He called for good-faith social partners who take the public interest and the current economic situation into account.

Manole noted that Romania already has legislation on the predictability of minimum wage developments, based on macroeconomic indicators, as well as a European directive in this area. Although the current situation is an exceptional one, the minister believes that the authorities must return as soon as possible to applying the legal framework.