Romania: Public sector workers to hold nationwide protests Jan. 12-14

Event

Public sector unions have called for protests outside all regional prefectures Jan. 12-14 to denounce a salary freeze and call for greater protection of workers in relation to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, public sector workers from various industries, including administrative and medical staff from around the country, plan to protest on Victory Square in Bucharest Jan. 14. The protests will likely pass without incident, though associated security measures could prompt localized disruptions around larger events, particularly the Jan. 14 protest in Bucharest. Police could move to disperse any gatherings that become unruly or are deemed to be in breach of current COVID-19 restrictions.

Police officers began related industrial actions on Jan. 11, including work-to-rule operation and a lax approach to enforcing COVID-19 restrictions; officers plan to repeat the action on Jan. 18 and 25. Police will continue to perform critical tasks and respond to emergencies.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations to minimize potential disruptions and as a routine security precaution. Allow additional travel time in the vicinity of any gatherings. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.