The President of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM), Igor Zubcu, held a meeting on Wednesday, 4 February, with John O’Brien, Human Rights Officer at the Embassy of the United States of America in Chișinău. The dialogue focused on strengthening the protection of labour rights and trade union freedom in the Republic of Moldova.

During the discussions, the parties addressed the activities of the trade union movement in the Republic of Moldova, CNSM’s priorities for the upcoming period, respect for the right to freedom of association in trade unions, and other relevant issues related to the protection of workers’ rights and the promotion of decent work.

The CNSM President informed about the consultation and negotiation process with social partners, achievements in recent years regarding increases in the national minimum wage, the objective of transposing the provisions of the European Union Directive on adequate minimum wages, as well as CNSM’s activity within the National Commission for Consultations and Collective Bargaining.

At the same time, Igor Zubcu drew attention to serious interference in trade union activities by the administration of the Public Medical and Sanitary Institution “National Centre for Prehospital Emergency Medical Assistance.” These actions led to the dismantling of the existing trade union within the institution and the establishment of a new union under the direct control of the administration. The employer resorted to intimidating workers and trade union members, who were forced to sign standardised withdrawal applications. In a single day, 3,826 such applications were collected out of a total of 4,090 employees.

This serious interference in trade union activities was reported to international organisations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO Committee of Experts requested the Government of the Republic of Moldova to strengthen the sanctions regime for acts of interference and anti-union discrimination, ensuring that sanctions are effective, comprehensive, and dissuasive. The CNSM President also highlighted other cases of anti-union interference, including in the consumer cooperatives sector, stressing the need for firm action to combat these unacceptable practices.

The meeting also addressed issues related to reducing poverty levels, increasing the minimum wage to a level that ensures a decent standard of living and an adequate minimum pension, labour migration, including the employment of foreign workers in the Republic of Moldova, and the need to apply fair and equal approaches for all workers in line with international labour standards. Reference was also made to the Constitutional Court’s decision declaring unconstitutional the cap of 12 minimum wages, as well as to the importance of strengthening the capacities of the State Labour Inspectorate.

John O’Brien noted that the information discussed would be included in a report on the observance of human rights and would be analysed and reflected in relevant policies.

At the end of the meeting, Igor Zubcu expressed gratitude for the consistent support of the United States of America in the development process of the Republic of Moldova and voiced hope for further expansion of cooperation, including in strengthening the institutional capacities of social partners in the country.

The meeting provided an opportunity for an open exchange of views on existing challenges in labour relations and on the essential role of social partners in ensuring a fair and safe framework for workers.

CNSM reaffirms its commitment to cooperate with international partners in promoting workers’ rights, strengthening social dialogue, and aligning with international labour standards.