Trade unionists demand to declare a state of emergency in education and to set the minimum salary for education sector employees at 6,000 lei. At a protest mounted in front of the Parliament Building on Friday, demonstrators said that due to the low salaries, the education system is facing an acute shortage of staff and things will get worse if urgent measures are not taken, IPN reports.

"We asked for a minimum salary of 6,000 lei, but we were informed by the Cabinet of Ministers that it will be no more than 5,500 lei. But this is not in line with the situation faced by trade unions," said Igor Zubcu, president of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova.

He added that the purchasing power decreases amidst the rising prices of energy resources, which is why it is necessary to raise the salaries so as not to accentuate the existing weaknesses.

Genady Donos, chairman the Education and Science Trade Union Federation, said that the demonstration is peaceful and that the unions are ready for negotiations.

"Last night, the state of energy in the energy sector was discussed in the Parliament until after midnight, and it is now time to declare a state of emergency in education as well because we have a shortage of 7,000 - 8,000 teachers and salaries that do not meet the vital needs," said Genady Donos.

The protest was organized because the authorities did not plan enough funds for the pay raise promised to teachers. It involved teachers, members of trade unions and representatives of education divisions from all over the country.

"We will look for solutions. Please, don't freeze," Igor Grosu said, addressing the protesters. The Speaker assured that the subject will be discussed and added that he respects the work of teachers.

For December 19, when the next sitting of the legislative body will take place, the education union members announced another protest set to be staged next to the Parliament Building.