In Response to Cuts Demanded by the IMF, Strikes Spread to Romania

May 9, 2010 (LPAC)—The mass strike ferment that has seized Greece is now spreading to Romania, as Romanian unions threaten a wave of strikes which could cripple hospitals, schools and public transport, in protest against draconian wage and pension cuts. Romanian President Traian Basescu announced the cuts on May 6, saying they were needed to ensure continuation of a EU20 billion aid package led by the International Monetary Fund, according to Reuters.

Romania's most powerful unions will meet Basescu today before an IMF review mission leaves Romania and leaders said protests similar to those in Greece could be launched if they do reach an accord. "The likelihood that we will strike is big as long as these draconian measures are not abandoned," said Marius Petcu, head of CNSLR Fratia union, which represents about 800,000 people. "I think in two weeks we will know whether we will strike. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of people that need to be consulted."