Romanian Teachers To Go on Strike for Higher Wages

Earlier this week the Liberal-led minority government of Calin Popescu Tariceanu postponed for April a rise in the teachers' wages arguing that it would cause an "economic catastrophe" and trigger similar demands from other professionals in the public and private sectors. The highly controversial hike was approved last month by parliament under heavy pressure from main opposition Social Democrats ahead of general elections set for November 30, and later endorsed by President Traian Basescu. The decision was due to enter into force upon its publication in the state gazette which was expected to happen shortly.

The strike will be preceeded by a two-hour warning strike on November 10, Romania's Free Trade Union Federation in Education, FSLI, said in a statement.

Analysts approached by SeeNews last week said the proposed wage increase would cost Romania over one billion euro, or approximately 0.8% of the gross domestic product (GDP) projected for 2009.

According to latest polls, some 39% of Romanians would vote for the Democratic-Liberal Party (PD-L), formed earlier this year, while 25% would give their support to the opposition Social Democrats (PSD). The ruling National Liberal Party (PNL) of Prime Minister Tariceanu is backed by 20% of the poll respondents.