Romanian public transport unions threaten strikes if jobs are lost due to administration changes

Workers of Bucharest’s public transport system may go on strike if City Hall decides to cut jobs and reduce funds, while the union president of RATB has accused City Hall of “irresponsible actions”.

Vasile Petrariu, the president of the union for Bucharest’s transport system (RATB), has suggested that 4,500 jobs out of the 15,000 total are under threat and vowed protests if City Hall tries to make redundancies. The President of the metro workers' union (USLM), Ion Radoi said that the metro workers will support the protests of RATB colleagues by striking in solidarity. Ion Radoi said that the dismissal of 4,500 RATB employees could result from the transfer of Metrorex to City Hall control, suggesting that the municipality may try to create jobs at Metrorex and turn the public transport system into a commercial entity. “We have asked Mayor Oprescu for a meeting and if this is not possible, we will respond. We propose the establishment of a socio-professional committee at the level of Bucharest City Hall,” said Vasile Petrariu. The concerns of the transport unions appear to have been raised by the transfer of the metro company to City Hall control. They have cast doubt on the process and claim it has been rushed and incorrectly managed. Prime Minister Victor Ponta said last week that the state would still subsidize the transport system and continue the investment in the construction of the new Drumu Taberei metro line. Ioana Toader, ioana.toader@romania-insider.com photo source: metrorex