Romania: Healthcare Union Accuses Hospitals of Intimidation Ahead of General Strike

The Sanitas federation has voiced strong accusations against hospital administrations, alleging they are exerting pressure on employees ahead of a general strike planned for Tuesday. The union claims that some medical facilities are demanding lists of staff members who have indicated their intention to participate in the protest.

Sanitas warns that such actions could constitute intimidation and reminds employers that individual employment contracts can only be suspended from the moment an employee actively joins the strike. The federation stated in a release that it has received reports from multiple hospitals where managers are requesting lists of employees who agreed to strike, ostensibly to suspend their contracts starting July 27.

Federation representatives argue that these demands lack legal basis. "We consider such actions, taken before the actual start of the strike, to be interpreted as tools of pressure and intimidation against employees who have exercised a right recognized by law," Sanitas communicated. The union emphasizes that merely signing up for a strike does not equate to active participation, and therefore, does not justify suspending an employment contract. "An individual employment contract cannot be suspended for participation in a strike that has not yet begun. Suspension can only occur from the moment the employee actively participates in the strike and only for the period they are actually on strike," the federation added, citing jurisprudence from the High Court of Cassation and Justice.

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We consider such actions, taken before the actual start of the strike, to be interpreted as tools of pressure and intimidation against employees who have exercised a right recognized by law

Despite these alleged pressures, Sanitas reaffirms its commitment to the general strike in the healthcare system, stating that "no political, managerial, or other pressure" will prevent its occurrence. The protest stems from dissatisfaction with salary conditions and delays in the adoption of a new salary law.

However, Bogdan Hossu, leader of the Cartel Alfa Confederation, announced that the general strike would be suspended for the following week. He explained that unions only learned on Friday that the salary law project was not included in the legislative package submitted to Parliament this week. Hossu indicated that Sanitas representatives would announce the suspension on Tuesday afternoon, aiming for a resolution in the coming week.

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An individual employment contract cannot be suspended for participation in a strike that has not yet begun. Suspension can only occur from the moment the employee actively participates in the strike and only for the period they are actually on strike