Romanian Union Leader Announces Daily Protests, 40,000 To Rally On May 19

Hossu said all union leaders must approve the decision to go on a general strike on May 25, as strike days will be deduced from the participants' salaries, resulting in even lower incomes for public sector employees.

Official sources told MEDIAFAX Sunday that union members would start daily protests outside the Government and the presidential palace on May 19, that there would be a large-scale meeting on May 19, and a general strike would start on May 25. The protests have been agreed upon in principle, but specific details will be decided upon by local leaders, after the crisis body meeting Tuesday.

After his Sunday meeting with President Traian Basescu Sunday, Hossu said that a crisis body will be set up, consisting of unionists and representatives of employers, Government and political parties. Its aim will be to analyze recent spending cut measures and to seek alternative solutions. Hossu added the crisis body will convene Tuesday for the first time in order to discuss unionists' demands and stressed that unions will decide whether or not to discard planned protests depending on the outcome of talks.

Dumitru Costin, leader of the National Trade Union Bloc, said Sunday that the unions' final decision regarding protests will be taken after they gain access Monday to the entire set of measures discussed with the International Monetary Fund. Costin added that the Agrostar federation union will protest as previously scheduled, on May 19.

Romania's five union federation leaders said Friday that a crisis committee had been assembled and that all union federation representatives had withdrawn from mediation committees. They added that further protests, including meetings and general strikes, would be scheduled Monday.

Basescu said Thursday, after talks with IMF officials, that pensions will decrease by 15% and salary funds in the public sector by 25%, which will also impact the minimum wage, adding subsidies will be drastically reduced.

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