At the beginning of 2021, Metrorex, a state-owned company that runs the Bucharest metro, fully backed by the Romanian government, started a union-busting campaign, announced pay cuts and lay-offs in Bucharest Metro, revealing plans to put the subway system into insolvency.
Metrorex and the Romanian government completely ignored USLM’s repeated requests to enter into dialogue. Instead, the company retaliated with a series of intimidation tactics:
Union leader Ion Radoi received death threats on social media. The company sued Metro workers who participated in the spontaneous March protest, and police raided the trade union premises.
And now: Metrorex – against trade union law – illegally refuses to collect monthly membership fees, cutting off the union’s resources. The company demands the annulment of the CBA in court and summons USLM to vacate its premises.
This situation is unacceptable in a democratic society, in an EU Member State where trade unions are recognised social partners that protect their members under law. The right to collective representation and collective bargaining are basic labour rights that Metrorex must respect.
Moreover, urban public transport workers have been on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Post-pandemic recovery must include strong public transport, with the workforce appreciated for its role in keeping our communities going.
Join us in telling Metrorex and the Romanian government they must respect basic labour rights: collective bargaining and social dialogue! Say no to union-busting in Bucharest metro!
Sign our LabourStart petition and tell Metrorex and the Romanian government to:
- Drop lawsuits against the workers;
- Drop lay-off plans;
- Stop intimidating and politically attacking the workers and the union;
- Engage in proper and constructive social dialogue with the union.
For further information on what’s happening in Romania, have a look at our previous coverage:
