Strengthening ALMPs and European cooperation: ACTIVER seminar in Romania

On 25 April 2025, CESI, in partnership with the Romanian trade unions Uniunea TESA and CSN Meridian, successfully convened a regional seminar in Târgu Mureș, Romania, under the ACTIVER programme. The event brought together stakeholders from across Central and Eastern Europe to discuss the critical role of social dialogue and European cooperation in advancing decent wages and Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) within the public health sector.

The seminar opened with a welcome address that introduced participants to the overarching goals of the ACTIVER project—fostering stronger cooperation between European trade unions, policymakers, and public sector stakeholders to shape inclusive labour market transitions. The focus was placed on securing fair wages, improving working conditions, and supporting skill development through targeted ALMPs.

In his keynote intervention, Klaus Heeger, Secretary General of CESI, highlighted the strategic importance of ALMPs in mitigating labour shortages and adapting to fast-evolving skill demands in public services. He emphasised how these policies serve as a cornerstone for both economic resilience and social equity, especially in the health sector.

Following the opening, the seminar featured a range of contributions from representatives across Romania, Hungary, Moldova, and Italy. Each presentation explored how social dialogue can effectively support wage structures and workforce development. Speakers from Romania and Hungary examined their respective salary systems in the healthcare sector and the role trade unions play in collective bargaining, particularly during transitional periods marked by upskilling and reskilling needs. A representative from Moldova shared how the country’s social dialogue framework is evolving and how this supports its healthcare workforce in meeting new skill demands. Italy’s perspective offered reflections on recent legislative and structural reforms aimed at improving both wages and continuous training in the health sector.

Later sessions focused on the legal frameworks governing salary implementation and labour rights in Romania’s healthcare system. Legal experts and hospital managers shared their experiences navigating complex legislation, highlighting inconsistencies and obstacles in wage enforcement, and calling for greater clarity and support mechanisms. Frontline insights also emerged from a discussion led by medical professionals, who shed light on the broader challenges faced by healthcare workers beyond remuneration—such as workload, psychological strain, and workplace recognition.

The seminar concluded with an open discussion, where participants explored ways to transform national insights into coordinated European action. The exchange reaffirmed the value of cross-border cooperation and how European frameworks can empower trade unions and public authorities to design fairer, future-oriented labour policies. CESI and Uniunea TESA closed the event by reaffirming their commitment to supporting sustainable labour market transitions that leave no healthcare worker behind.