The leadership of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) held a meeting today, March 18, 2026, with Peter van Rooij, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Europe, and Claire Harasty, ILO Director for Central and Eastern Europe (ILO Office Budapest). The meeting took place in an open and constructive atmosphere, marking a new step in strengthening the partnership between CNSM and the International Labour Organization.

The agenda of the discussions focused on the activities of the trade union movement in the Republic of Moldova, developments in the labour legislation framework, as well as prospects for cooperation aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of workers – trade union members. At the same time, issues related to compliance with international labour standards and opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation were examined.

The President of CNSM, Igor Zubcu, expressed appreciation for the continuous cooperation and support provided by the ILO in promoting the decent work agenda in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting the importance of the expertise and assistance offered in reform processes and institutional strengthening.

The ILO representatives particularly appreciated the activities and efforts of CNSM in recent years aimed at contributing to the development of labour legislation favourable to employees and strengthening social dialogue in the Republic of Moldova. Important achievements were highlighted, including the ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work, the strengthening of social dialogue mechanisms at the national level, sustained efforts to increase the minimum wage, alignment of labour inspection legislation with international standards, as well as the implementation of ILO Conventions.

The CNSM leadership informed the international partners about the current challenges faced by workers and the trade union movement, reiterating the need to continue joint efforts to ensure a decent standard of living, prevent excessive liberalization of labour relations, reduce gender inequalities in the labour market, and strengthen the observance of social partnership principles.

Additionally, CNSM’s priority objectives for the upcoming period were presented, focused on promoting a fair minimum wage, expanding collective bargaining, combating the informal economy, improving working conditions, and strengthening the institutional capacities of the State Labour Inspectorate.

The parties reaffirmed their joint commitment to further developing a constructive dialogue and sustainable cooperation, based on mutual trust and respect for the fundamental values promoted by the ILO, in order to support effective and inclusive labour policies.