Romania Daewoo – Mangalia shipyard employees start general strike demanding salary increase

About one third of the 3,000 employees of shipyard Daewoo - Mangalia Heavy Industries (DMHI) in southeastern Romania Monday went on general strike indefinitely disgruntled that they were denied a salary increase. Unionists demand a RON 300 lei (EIR 70.4) salary increase and a new collective work contract to be valid until the end of 2011. Unionists decided to resume general strike after the Constanta Court ruled it illegal this June. Unionists appealed the court's decision and on September 23 the Constanta Court of Appeals ruled in favor of protesters. Employees have tried to hold negotiations with company representatives since the court's favorable ruling, but their proposal was denied. Daewoo - Mangalia Heavy Industries spokesperson Gemal Memetcea said the employees' decision to go on general strike is "a bit irrational" taking into account the current economic context, adding the company cannot increase their wages. He said employers will soon meet with union representatives to find common ground on the issue. Mediafax