Romanian healthcare workers go on strike

On Wednesday, more than 10,000 healthcare and social services workers from across the country gathered in Bucharest to protest. Their main concern is the proposed wage law, which, according to members of the SANITAS union, could result in a wage freeze or even a pay cut for more than half of the sector’s workers. The protesters marched from Victoriei Square to the Palace of Parliament to make their voices heard. The workers are dissatisfied with the new wage law, particularly the proposed cuts to bonuses and allowances, which will significantly affect their overall income. According to the protesters, the changes could lead to substantial pay cuts, which in some cases could amount to as much as 3,000 leu per month.

The bourgeoisie is cutting back everywhere except on its own profits and exploits wage labor at the lowest possible cost. Healthcare work in Romania is very stressful, and workers often face abuse, excessive workloads, and few days off. With this new law, they will receive yet another slap in the face from the bourgeoisie. Romania ranks among the countries with the lowest minimum wage in the European Union, with a gross minimum wage of 795 euros. Romania’s annual inflation rate reached 9.5% in April 2026. Everything is getting more expensive, and wages are being cut. One of the striking workers says, “Our main complaint is the severe staff shortage and the wage cuts, (…) we feel truly humiliated. During the COVID pandemic, we were heroes; now we’re at the bottom of the pay scale,” she adds. “We’re exhausted both physically and mentally, so we work overtime just to cover our shifts. Everyone expects quality service from us, and we do our best, but to make ends meet, we’re forced to work constant overtime.”

The reduction in bonuses affects the real income of workers who labor under difficult conditions, work shifts, and pressure.

At 2:30 p.m.: The protest was declared over, and the struggle died down. But this is the limit of mere spontaneity. Without the action of a union committed to genuine class positions and led by the Communist Party at this historical juncture, the workers will struggle even to achieve the most minimal results. Communists must be the most advanced elements of the working class, establish contacts with the workers, and organize them into the Communist Party. The Communist Party, which embodies the most advanced and resolute section of the proletariat, unifies the efforts of the working masses and transforms their struggles for particular group interests and immediate gains into the general struggle for the emancipation of the proletariat.