Thousands of trade unionists protested in front of the Romanian Government

RADIO ROMANIA NEWS - Several thousand trade unionists from different fields took to the streets of Bucharest today, dissatisfied with the lack of a decision by the governors on major issues that impoverish the population.

They protested in front of the Ministry of Labor and the government, as reported by Alex Buzica: "Around 2.500 trade unionists who are part of the structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Border Police, but also the Prison Police organized a protest in the Capital today, dissatisfied with the salary scale. They want increased pensions and wages, control of energy prices and essential goods, union leaders say."

Zelca Vasile, president of the National Union of Policemen and Contractual Personnel from Romania: "The dissatisfaction comes from the fact that the current government does not ensure a decent living for Romanians. We demand a decent minimum wage."

How much is your salary now?

Zelca Vasile: "A policeman, on average, now has a salary of around 3.800 lei, 3.500/3.800."

And how much should it be?

Zelca Vasile: "On the grid from Law 153 we are talking about almost 5.000 lei, 5.500 lei. Unfortunately, this grid does not apply. If the government does not move in the direction we want, to increase the minimum wage in the economy, to increase pensions, to generate, in fact, a decent living for Romanians, we will certainly continue. Cartel Alfa is also analyzing the general strike."

The trade unionists have declared that they will continue the protests in Bucharest, both today and tomorrow."

Today's action is part of the series of 'Anti-Poverty' rallies, organized by Cartel Alfa since the beginning of the week in several cities of the country, with the help of two caravans that started simultaneously from Transylvania and Moldova.

Translated by: Radu Matei