Warning strike in over 500 hospitals: grievances over the pay legislation

On Monday, between 09:00 and 11:00, activity was suspended in over 500 hospitals across Romania as part of a warning strike organised by healthcare trade unions. The dispute centres on the new version of the pay legislation.

What happened during the protest

For two hours, doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and porters gathered in the courtyards of medical facilities. Scheduled consultations, investigations, admissions, and procedures were all suspended. Emergency medical care continued to be provided, particularly in emergency hospitals, where activity cannot be halted.

Queues of patients were reported at hospitals during the action.

General strike possible on 28 July

Union representatives stated that this protest is only the first step, and that if employees' demands are not addressed, a general strike will follow, scheduled for 28 July. In this scenario, hospital services would be maintained by approximately one third of staff only, whilst non-urgent operations, consultations, and admissions would be postponed.

Union grievances: pay losses and unclear allowances

The unions argue that the new version of the pay legislation preserves significant income losses for a portion of healthcare workers. They are particularly critical of how the allowance for especially hazardous working conditions is regulated — under the draft law, this allowance would be granted to only 10% of medical staff.

Union leaders contend that the draft does not clearly set out the criteria upon which the allowance will be awarded, and warn that many employees risk losing income amounting to thousands of RON once the new law comes into effect.