Thousands of unionists rally in Chisinau to mark May Day

Thousands of members of trade unions from across the country gathered together in Chisinau's main square to mark the International Workers' Day on May 1, conveying a message to the government that they want jobs and decent salaries, Info-Prim Neo reports. The rally was organized by the labor unions together with the employers' organizations and the Government. According to organizers, the event brought together around 15,000 people. Oleg Budza, the president of the National Confederation of Labor Unions, in his speech urged workers to consolidate their efforts in their aspiration for a decent living. “We need to have a law on the national minimum wage. We also need laws to regulate the work day, as the people working for 10 hours are wearing themselves out and this leads to temporary loss of work capacity, which ultimately affects all, the employees, the employers and the state alike”, declared Budza. Leonid Cerescu, the president of the National Confederation of Employers' Organizations, reiterated that the employers' organizations were advocating for decent work conditions, a higher productivity of employees and better living standards. “Our society is going through a complex process of transformations, and this requires certain costs and increased involvement in decision making from all the stakeholders in the social dialogue”, stated Cerescu. Prime Minister Vlad Filat noted that a few years ago some politicians had predicted a total collapse for Moldova, warning that the government would not be able to pay salaries and pensions. “Today, however, this is no longer valid. We have left the crisis behind and there are chances of becoming a prosperous nation. It is crucial that each and everyone of us is doing his job well. I believe in Moldova's future and I want you all to believe as well”, declared Filat. The demonstrators hold up posers calling for social equity, higher salaries, an end to unofficial employment and better work conditions.