The National Confederation of Trade Unions and the National Confederation of Employers have agreed to propose a minimum monthly salary 6,000 lei beginning on 1 January 2025 in an effort to increase salaries “constantly and in a balanced manner” in the coming years.

Discussed at the latest meeting of the National Commission for Consultations and Collective Bargaining, the proposal was submitted to Prime Minister Dorin Recean for consideration.

“Recognizing the need to ensure a decent standard of living for employees, we believe that increasing the minimum salary is not only necessary, but also beneficial for the whole society. This is an important instrument not only for reducing poverty and curbing employee turnover, but also for supporting the national economy through consumption stimulation and higher revenues to the national public budget”, the organizations said in a statement.

Unions and employers note that the current minimum salary of 5,000 lei covers only about 70% of the subsistence minimum for an employee and a minor child, as the national economy continues to face challenges in retaining the workforce and attracting new employees.

The organization also note that, in its action plan on EU accession, Moldova has pledged to transpose EU Directive 2022/2041 on adequate minimum wages by September 2025. This is also required under the revised European Social Charter, which was partially ratified by Moldova in 2001.

As of January 1, 2024, the national minimum salary is 5,000 lei per month, a 25% increase from 2023.