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Metrorex trade unionists warn of a funding shortfall and staff shortages, citing risks to metro safety

Riana Gegiu

5 November 2026, 14:59

Economy

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In 2026, Metrorex is facing a 40% funding deficit, equivalent to 450 million lei, and a 20% staff shortage, according to the Free Trade Union Unit of the Metro (USLM). The unionists claim that the situation is affecting the operation of the Bucharest Metro and may generate risks to transport safety.

More than 1,000 employees are missing from the company. At the Traffic Control Center, 43 of the 54 necessary positions are filled, while only 25 of the 70 centralized traffic control points are operational.

The union states that employees are currently working more than 10,000 overtime hours per month. Train drivers have accumulated more than 6,000 days of unused leave, a situation which the organization claims is causing them chronic fatigue.

USLM also points out that some of the Metro’s installations are more than 30 years old, while others date back to 1978. In this context, on October 29, the unionists threatened to launch a strike if salaries were not increased. They are demanding a net increase of 450 lei and the commencement of negotiations for the collective labor agreement by November 1.

Context: In 2026, Metrorex entered a financial deadlock and remained under pressure due to delays in approving subsidies and energy debts

Shortly before the tensions related to the collective agreement, Metrorex was affected by the failure to approve the budgets on time for 2026. The Ministry of Transport suspended access to budget funds, while the Railway Transport Directorate rejected the company’s request to open budget credits amounting to 63.458 million lei, citing the legal framework providing for the suspension of allocations until the budget is approved.

At the same time, the company also accumulated debts to Hidroelectrica, and Metrorex risked being disconnected from the energy supply because of an outstanding debt of 11,521,602.22 lei. Interim Minister Radu Miruță requested explanations and urgent measures to settle the debt, warning that a possible power interruption could affect the operation of underground transport.

Against the backdrop of these problems, the union also drew attention to the risk of operational paralysis: it warned that train services could be halted starting September 12 if the budget and the subsidy for September were not approved, with concerns also being raised about the payment of salaries.