The leadership of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) held a meeting on Thursday, 5 February, with the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru. The discussion focused on issues of key importance for employees and trade union members, as well as on strengthening social dialogue in the Republic of Moldova.

CNSM representatives stressed the need to avoid excessive flexibilization and liberalisation of labour legislation, which could undermine workers’ rights, guarantees, and legitimate interests. They reiterated the importance of honouring the commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova under the Moldova–European Union Association Agreement. At the same time, attention was drawn to the need for an appropriate transposition of EU Directives that preserves national legal terminology and the domestic legal order, in order to prevent distortions in labour legislation.

The parties also discussed the importance of examining proposed amendments to the Labour Code exclusively within tripartite mechanisms, in particular within the specialised permanent council of the National Commission for Consultations and Collective Bargaining (CNCNC), prior to their submission at the governmental level.

With regard to wages, CNSM reiterated its request to set the minimum wage at 50% of the forecast average monthly wage in the economy and to fulfil the Government’s commitment to reach a minimum wage of MDL 10,000 by the end of its mandate. Trade unions also highlighted the need to improve the legal framework on remuneration in both the public and real sectors, noting shortcomings in the implementation of Government Decision No. 743/2002 and the fact that CNSM’s proposals in this area had not been taken into account.

In the field of social insurance, CNSM advocated for the inclusion of childcare periods up to the age of three and residency training periods in the contribution record, the removal of the 34-year contribution requirement for persons working under special conditions, and the urgent amendment of legislation regulating access to balneosanatorium treatment vouchers for professionally active veterans of labour.

Employment-related issues were also addressed, including the need for more effective oversight of migrant employment and the revision of the legal framework governing social insurance contributions for foreign employees.

Occupational safety and health constituted another important topic of discussion. The parties reiterated the need to continue transposing EU Directives in this area and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the State Labour Inspectorate, including through staff training.

The importance of social partnership was further emphasised, particularly the need to coordinate all draft legislative acts in the labour and socio-economic fields with the CNCNC, as well as to urgently promote the Action Plan developed by CNSM to increase collective bargaining coverage among workers to 80%.

Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and improving the effectiveness of the National Commission for Consultations and Collective Bargaining, with a view to reinforcing social dialogue and ensuring the protection of workers’ rights.

The President of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM), Igor Zubcu, held a meeting with Myles Geiran, Ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Moldova