Although the two parties met several times in the past two weeks, and trade unions were willing to forego some salary rises, the government does not want to cut an article which could eventually lead to the elimination of all salary increases and payments, and even layoffs in the public sector.
The debated article requires that the personnel-related expenses of institutions not exceed the amount allocated in the budget approved for 2009.
The Minister of Labor, Marian Sarbu, said that the ordinance will be approved, regardless of whether or not it is approved by the trade unions. “I would be interested in this being the result of consensus, but even if one or two articles are not mutually agreed upon, it will go on for approval,” Sarbu told the Realitatea TV channel.
