The President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, welcomed the Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Esther Lynch, to Chisinau. The discussions focused on the important role of trade unions in protecting workers’ rights, creating new jobs, as well as in increasing labour efficiency and productivity. The President stressed that Moldova is undergoing an extensive reform of state institutions, including the National Employment Agency (NEA) and the State Labour Inspectorate.
Efforts to combat unofficial wage payments and other forms of informal payments were also discussed. The issues of social protection of workers and improving social security for pensioners were discussed. The President noted the support of the European Trade Union Confederation for the exchange of best practices in labour protection.
Maia Sandu stressed the importance of partnership between trade unions and state institutions in adapting the national legislation to European standards. A Memorandum of Cooperation with the European Labour Administration (ELA) is planned to be signed in the near future, which will facilitate the integration of Moldova’s labour inspection systems with the EU.
