Deputy economics minister denies possible massive dismissals in wine making sector

Deputy Economics and Trade Minister Sergiu Sainciuc assures that no massive dismissals will be registered in the wine making sector of Moldova after Russia has restricted the Moldovan wine imports. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo to comment on possible social effects if agricultural enterprises are told to stop their work and to sack their employees, Sainciuc said that the restriction of wine exports is a temporary measure that shall make wine makers look for new sale markets rather than scare them. He considers that the suspension of deliveries to the Russian market does not mean the complete decline of Moldovan wine industry, while workers shall be kept because „they will not be found tomorrow, if they are sacked today.” The deputy minister underlined that the legislation in effect stipulates all the measures needed for social protection of workers in case of dismissal. If the enterprise is stationing, a technical joblessness may be announced while workers may be paid 75 percent of their basic salary. If the staffs are reduced, the Labour Code obliges employers to pay a medium weekly pay for every year of work, while workers shall be warned about future dismissal with two months before, in order to be able to find another job. Sainciuc noted that the unemployment fund will not include enough resources to meet the demands of all job seekers from wine making sector. The government will take the measures needed to modify the legislation, so that to stipulate financial assistance for all sacked people. Meanwhile, Gheorghe Cozub, chairman of the Moldovan Union of Wine Makers, has stated to Info-Prim Neo that many wineries in Moldova, both small and large, could go bankrupt after Russia has restricted the Moldovan wine imports, while most of them have already send their staffs in technical holidays.