The President of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM), Igor Zubcu, met today, April 14, with Her Excellency Stella Avallone, Ambassador of Austria to the Republic of Moldova. The talks were also attended by Martin Muehlbacher, Attaché and Counselor for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection at the Austrian Embassy, and Valeriu Cazacu, Head of the Department of International Relations, Media and Information Technologies of the CNSM

The dialogue focused on joint projects focusing on the social and economic protection of employees, strengthening social dialogue and partnership at all levels, developing the institutional capacities of the trade union movement and deepening bilateral cooperation in several areas of common interest.

Mr. Igor Zubcu, President of the CNSM, expressed the gratitude of the Moldovan trade union movement for the constant support provided by Austria, mentioning in particular the project “Social Protection and Trade Unions in Moldova”. He also appreciated the fruitful cooperation with the Austrian Trade Union Union (ÖGB), which has contributed significantly over the years to the realization of important projects for the trade union movement.

During the meeting, the CNSM leader emphasized the need to intensify efforts to combat the informal economy, increase the institutional capacities of the State Labor Inspectorate, improve occupational safety and health conditions, and adjust social welfare policies. Special emphasis was put on the need to increase salaries in the social care sector in order to ensure adequate motivation of employees in this field.

In her turn, Ambassador Stella Avallone appreciated the results achieved within the project “Social Protection and Trade Unions in Moldova”, implemented by CNSM with the support of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Welfare and Consumer Protection and the “SOLIDAR” Foundation. His Excellency also expressed his openness for further cooperation with CNSM in support of Moldovan employees and social partners’ efforts in the process of European integration of the country.

The parties agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation, launching a project dedicated to the health of employees at work, the improvement of working conditions and the prevention of occupational diseases, including the phenomenon of burnout. Other initiatives with an impact for trade union members and the entire social and economic protection system were also discussed.

Finally, the participants reaffirmed their strong commitment to promote sustainable cooperation and to support initiatives aimed at ensuring fair and effective social protection for all workers in the Republic of Moldova.

The main objective of the project “Social Protection and Trade Unions in Moldova” is to transfer expertise from Austria and European institutions to the Republic of Moldova in order to improve the national social protection system and workers’ rights. A central element of the project is to promote the social inclusion of vulnerable groups, in particular people with disabilities, through concrete measures to provide them with real and sustainable support.