Bucharest transport company STB to lay off more than 800 workers
More than 800 employees of Bucharest's public transport company STB, including drivers and tram operators, are to be laid off by the end of the year.
More than 800 employees of Bucharest's public transport company STB, including bus drivers and tram operators, will be laid off by the end of the year as the insolvent company tries to cut costs as far as possible, Digi24 reported.
Of the 1,700 posts being abolished, about 900 are already vacant, according to judicial administrator Remus Borza. He said the measure was necessary to reduce spending and alleged abuse of medical leave, telling DC News that some employees take around 60 days of annual leave plus 90 to 100 days of sick leave a year, and in some cases as many as 180 days.
STB representatives told Digi24 that the company is restructuring as a continuation of measures started by Bucharest City Hall, and that a new reorganisation plan is planned for next year.
According to the unions, the collective dismissals should be completed by 17 December. Employees whose posts disappear could receive between two and four months' salary in compensation, depending on length of service, and may compete for other vacant posts.
Union representatives said that most of those affected are workers rather than administrative staff. They are angry and do not rule out a protest or steps towards a strike.