Romanian health workers stage 2-hour strike over wages

By iNFOTEL
May 07 2018 02:51 AM

CP760514018 — Romanian health system employees carry a banner depicting the head of the country\'s ruling Social Democratic party running a game of thimblerig, as they arrive for a protest outside the Romanian government headquarters, threatening with a general strike, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, April 26, 2018. Thousands, from across the country, joined a rally protesting against the income law and newly introduced changes in the regulations governing bonuses, which they say, lead to significant losses for the employees. Banner reads "In the nineties thimblerig was popular in markets and countryside fairs, in 2018 it\'s played in the parliament and government with the salaries from the medical system". (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

BUCHAREST, Romania – Romanian health workers have staged a two-hour strike to protest a government measure that has led to wage cuts for some employees while some medics saw their salaries doubled.

Employees gathered outside hospitals around Romania Monday and yelled: “We want our compensation back!” and “Shame on you!”

Health workers were only treating emergency cases. Unions have threatened to go on an all-out strike Friday if the wage issues are not resolved.

Health employees are angry that the government has cut compensation that some get for working in dangerous or risky conditions. They say doctors have seen substantial salary increases, while some nurses and health assistants had lost out.

Health Minister Sorina Pintea, who has met with hospital chiefs, called on them to manage their resources better to cover wage losses.

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