site.btaBucharest Metro Workers Go on Warning Strike Over Staff Shortage Crisis

Bucharest metro workers have started a warning strike and say that if their demands are not met, they will hold a general strike on February 10, Agerpres reported on Monday. The protest was triggered by a new regulation that cancels the salary increases agreed upon in the collective labour agreement signed in early December 2024.  

Metro Free Trade Union Head Marian Artimon was quoted by Digi24 as saying that the crisis was caused by the regulation, which prevented them from hiring more workers. He explained that they were short of around 300 employees compared to the previous year, and the shortage had grown to 920 since 2020. He also pointed out that there were not enough drivers, leading to train delays.

"The metro carries about 700,000 passengers every day. We must ensure their safety. We are the safest and fastest form of public transport. But if we do not get more staff, there will be risks and accidents. Responsibility should not fall on the workers but on those making the decisions," Artimon added.  

According to him, hiring 354 more people would allow the metro to operate normally.  

On January 21 and 22, metro workers protested in front of the Ministry of Finance, demanding higher salaries and better funding for the metro company. They also want all staff members to receive daily meal vouchers worth RON 30 [BGN 12].