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Statements by Prime Minister Florin Cîțu and the Minister of Labour and Social Protection Raluca Turcan at the beginning of the meeting of the Tripartite National Committee for Social Dialogue

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Florin Cîțu: I am glad to see each other and to start discussions early, this year, on an important topic, the minimum salary in Romania, and we do have time until December, which is the usual deadline for this, to find the ideal formula we can all agree with. You know very well that we need to find a formula to apply in the future too, one to be predictable, I care a lot about this. At the same time, we need to find a dynamic of the minimum salary that takes into account economic growth, the needs of Romanians, and prospects for the future. Therefore, I think we can already hear today everyone’s opinions on the matter, the Ministry of Labour and the employers' unions, and also the trade unions, after which I would like to have a clear timetable, to know exactly how much time do we have, starting today. I would like us to agree, I don't know, that we will meet again for this at the end of October, to decide the minimum salary, or maybe we can meet earlier, let's decide this together. It is clear that we are changing things. Minister, you have the floor.

Raluca Turcan: Thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister. Good afternoon to all!  We also have had consultations before this formal meeting of the Tripartite National Committee for Social Dialogue. I think that it is a good thing that we see each other in this format, as there is a general conclusion at the level of the society that the current level of the minimum salary is insufficient and that it needs to be increased, but this increase should be sustainable and lead to a real increase in the quality of life. Therefore, much we anchor the increase in the minimum salary in economic indicators and we take this decision in a more predictable way, more the business sector will focus on supporting the increase in the salary level.

Therefore, there are currently two perspectives- one presented by the trade union, the other by the employers. Obviously, the Ministry of Labour has its institutional projections. So far, we have approached, in the past 2 years, you know it very well because you were Minister of Finance, this increase of the minimum salary based on 3 indicators to which a correction coefficient has been added, and these indicators, basically show the current economic situation of the country. We speak of the inflation rate, the productivity rate and the increase in the average gross earnings. Beyond these indicators, a correction coefficient related to the economic growth is also needed to lead us to a calculation formula of the minimum salary to meet the requirements that we all committed to meet. It is important today to listen to the proposals of our social partners and then to prepare a formula to be debated and announced when completed.

Florin Cîțu: Thank you, Minister.