Most students and pensioners who work are in unreported employment. At the same time, employers face staff shortages, while the labor market does not support the acceleration of economic growth and the development of the business environment. The authorities aim to change things by promoting a “mini-job” reform. The concept was debated today during public discussions at Parliament.
MP Mariana Lucrețeanu (PAS) explained that this reform represents a fixed salary package, established by the state, provided for part-time employment in the case of students and pensioners.
Mariana Lucrețeanu stated that the labor market in Moldova has a rigid legislation, which demands modern alternatives and reforms to align with the current needs of citizens, where part-time work and second jobs are very common. The lawmaker said she met with students from different universities, where she learned that most of them work without an employment contract. Students explained why negotiating with an employer is always a factor that puts them in a vulnerable position. In this context, there is a need for the state to take into account this vulnerability and to find a solution so that unreported employment becomes legal employment, said Mariana Lucrețeanu.
The legislator stated that the reform will streamline the labor market and redirect employers’ attention to the existing workforce. Start-ups would benefit from such a reform, where they could hire labor with less tax. The reform would also encourage part-time employment, and allow students and pensioners to enjoy protection under the Labor Code, thanks to the conclusion of an employment contract.
The reform provides for a fixed salary package, established by the state, around 4000-4500 lei per month, for less than 20 hours of work per week. There are also state-regulated taxes, which are automatically collected - approximately 500 lei, of which a maximum of 1/3 goes to CNAM and the rest to CNAS. The reform will provide for temporary employment, no more than 18 months in a mini-job, part-time, under 20 hours per week. “We encourage part-time employment, but employers, once they see that the person in question does a good job or wants to switch to full-time, they are welcome to do so”, explained the lawmaker.
During the public discussion, the request was made for the law to stipulate employment during afterschool hours. Also, it was proposed to create programs to support students to make the transition from part-time to full-time jobs, as well as to establish a framework that will periodically evaluate the impact of the reform.
