Disagreements between unions, government and patronages set the agenda for a meeting of the National Consultation and Collective Bargaining Commission held on Thursday, November 20.
The deputy chairman of the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova, Sergiu Sainciuc, emphasized that the trade unions, based on the EU directive, drafted a government decision on the gradual increase of the minimum wage, so that by 2029-2030, the norm of 50% of the average national wage should be reached.
Sainciuc presented arguments why the trade unions insist on setting the minimum wage at the level of 8050 lei already in 2026:
“In 2024, the ratio between the minimum wage and the average for the economy fell from 42.7% to 40.5%. At the same time, monetary poverty increased from 31.1% to 33.6%. The national poverty threshold is 6294 lei net, while in gross it should be 7860 lei. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 34% of workers in 2024 earned up to 8000 lei, while in the public sector almost 38% of workers earned up to 8000 lei.”
While labor unions are calling for an accelerated adjustment of the minimum wage, the Finance Ministry proposes a more “moderate” option. The ministry is considering scenarios from 6,000 to a maximum of 6,500 lei.
It should be reminded that the government’s activity program for Alexandru Munteanu envisages a gradual increase of the minimum wage to at least 10,000 lei and of the average wage to 25,000 lei. However, it does not specify when this will happen. According to the trade union leader, the government’s goal is achievable within a reasonable period of time, if the annual increase is not less than 1000 lei. But the finance ministry’s approach significantly distances the fulfillment of the government’s commitments.
“If we go by this formula – 500 lei annually – then we will reach 10,000 lei, as the government plans, only in 2034. Is this the goal we set for ourselves? I am firmly convinced that the commitment approved in the government’s program can be fulfilled. What is needed is political will!”, – said Sainchuk.
At the same time, business representatives consider the trade unions’ proposal of 8050 lei excessive and “dangerous” for economic stability, especially for small enterprises.
“This is a bold proposal. Quite a drastic jump. If we go for such an increase, it will bring to a halt the activity of many small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 90% of the economy of RM and do not have such financial capacities. Many may even go bankrupt,” said Leonid Cerescu, chairman of the National Confederation of Patrons of Moldova.
He emphasized that the minimum wage increase should correspond to the labor productivity and economic potential of the country. Employers have not yet come up with their own proposal for the minimum wage, saying they are still consulting.
Today, the minimum wage in Moldova is 5,500 lei.
Labor and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru said the authorities favor “a gradual increase to ensure predictability for both the state budget and the private sector.”
The Finance Ministry is currently working on next year’s draft budget.
