Trade unions protest in Bucharest

Over 10,000 trade union members protested in Bucharest on Tuesday claiming higher salaries, respect for the collective work contract, job guarantees and a halt to contractual relations with pensioners.

The protesters gathered for a manifestation in the Constitutional Square downtown Bucharest and marched throughout the central area of of the Romanian capital before submitting their claims at the Government headquarters.

They demand a minimum salary of 5 million Romanian lei (500 RON) starting January 1, 2007, the date Romania is expected to join the EU.

The protest was part of a series of events that will continue May 24 with a common meeting of several major trade unions.