Gap between Moldova and EU labour costs
Data published by Eurostat show that the average hourly labour cost in the European Union reached €34.9 last year, rising to €38.2 in the eurozone.
In Moldova, according to national statistics, the average hourly labour cost stands at around €4.44, nearly eight times lower than the EU average.
While differences in labour costs between countries are not unusual, the gap remains significant. For comparison, hourly labour costs are estimated at around €12 in Bulgaria, €13.6 in Romania and €15.2 in Hungary.
Delayed wage increases and income pressures
At the same time, planned salary increases for public sector employees in Moldova have been postponed. The Ministry of Finance announced at the end of March that wage adjustments initially expected in September would be delayed until December.
No detailed explanation was provided, and trade unions were informed after the decision had been taken.
The delay follows earlier protests by teachers and comes amid broader concerns about income levels and purchasing power.
Situation in the railway sector
Economic pressures are also affecting state enterprises. At Moldovan Railways, around 600 employees have remained in technical downtime since December 22, receiving 55% of their salaries.
Director Sergiu Cotelnic said the situation is linked to rising diesel prices and the company’s financial difficulties. The current arrangement has been extended for several months, with uncertainty about future operations.
The company’s workforce has declined from around 5,500 employees to 3,500 following restructuring. Salary arrears, which previously exceeded 200 million lei, have reportedly been reduced to around 50 million lei.
Fuel policy and broader economic context
Fuel prices continue to affect multiple sectors of the economy. The government has decided not to reduce excise duties on fuel, despite proposals from opposition representatives.
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu described such proposals as “populist” and said decisions should be based on budgetary considerations.
The data from Eurostat highlight broader trends in labour costs across Europe, while the situation in Moldova reflects ongoing challenges related to wages, employment stability and economic conditions.
