Customs offices in Romania are blocked on Wednesday, for two hours, between 12:00 PM and 02:00 PM, as a result of a warning strike initiated by the customs employees. They are dissatisfied with the working conditions and the non-observance of wage rights, issues that unionists claim have remained unresolved for several years, reports IPN.
In this context, the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova specified that the border crossing points Costesti – Stanca, Lipcani Radauti-Prut and Giurgiulesti – Galati have temporarily suspended their activity on the Romanian side, until 02:00 PM.
The National Meridian Union, the representative organization of the employees within the Romanian Customs Authority, explained that the main cause of the protest is the non-conclusion of the collective work agreement. This administrative blockage has direct consequences on the employees, leading to the lack of funds intended for improving the working conditions, ensuring health and safety at work, as well as resources for professional development.
At the same time, customs employees criticize the new wage law for not granting essential rights, such as the radiation allowance for those operating scanners, compensation for work performed on weekends and legal holidays, as well as specific wage rights for border personnel and those equipped with service dogs.
The unionists emphasize that this situation affects not only the employees, but also the quality of the services provided. They expressed regret for the discomfort created for travelers and business operators, but argue that the measure is necessary due to the lack of dialogue from the management of the Customs Authority. According to the union, the institution did not attend the conciliation procedure, which blocked any possibility of peaceful resolution of the labor conflict until now.
Through this protest, the customs staff makes an urgent appeal to the authorities to initiate real and transparent negotiations, which will ensure the respect of professional and wage rights.
