Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu proposed implementing a meal voucher system. A relevant legislative initiative was presented to trade unions, employers, businesses and state institutions concerned on February 1. The voucher will be provided optionally by employers as an employee benefit. The employees will be able to use them at canteens, in shops and even restaurants, but only for food, not yet cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, IPN reports.
The implementation of the meal voucher system is optional. “The meal vouchers are a supplement to the salary. They are remuneration that is not taxed for private individuals and their cost is deductible for employers,” stated Adrian Candu.
The meal voucher system is successfully used in Romania, Germany, Austria and other states. The vouchers are distributed by a licensed operator in the form of paper tickets or cards and contain security elements.
The initiative provides that the meal vouchers are a supplement and the salary is not cut if such tickets are offered. The operators will be those that will sign contacts with retail outlets where payments can be made with meal vouchers. Social insurance contributions, income and other taxes are not deducted from the value of the meal vouchers.
The representatives of employers welcomed the Speaker’s initiative, saying this is designed to ensure employees’ social rights. On the other hand, the representatives of the business sector expressed their skepticism about the implementation of this system, explaining they see no financial benefits for employers. In this connection, Adrian Candu specified the employers that will offer meal vouchers as a supplement to the salary will look more attractive to future employees and competition will dictate the employment offer.
