Public system strike kicks in today, but at a lower scale than previously announced

The general strike in the Romanian public system starts today – some of the public employees will protest against the austerity measures announced by the Government. Workers unions had previously said around one million state employees should join the general strike, which would paralyze the country's activity. However, things got better in the meantime. While on strike to protest against pay cuts, public employees will not be paid, which should have weighted when deciding whether to go on strike. The high school final exam will be organized as planned, although teachers have previously said they will be on strike and half the exam, according to the Education Ministry. Most of public institutions will be closed today, as around 100,000 employees from these institutions will be on strike. Around 120,0000 employees in the public health system – so don't think about going to the doctor in Romania today unless you're heading to the private health care clinics. Public transport will go on strike starting tomorrow. However, the Bucharest public transport system (RATB) will be 85 percent functional tomorrow, June 1st, according to Bucharest mayor Sorin Oprescu, who has negotiated with workers unions from RATB. Metrorex, which runs the Bucharest metro, will also join the strike. The Romanian Railways (CFR) will decide today whether they will start a strike on June 2nd.