Trade unions seek compensations for public utilities for salary earners

The National Confederation of Trade Unions of Moldova sent a letter to the Government, asking that the compensations for heat be increased for the winter period, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press release from the organization. According to the trade unions, the disposable incomes of the population now cover only 90% of the minimum subsistence level of 1,400 lei. The trade unions say the largest part of the population will have to spend all their incomes on paying for public utilities and purchasing food products and other essentials. Many people will not be able to pay for utilities and the energy system will be thus in danger. The trade unions consider the created situation can be overcome by increasing the compensations as the law on social welfare did not ensure protection in the winter of 2010 and many socially deprived groups remained outside government assistance. The National Confederation of Trade Unions asks the Government to allocate a part of the money obtained from foreign donors for covering 30-40% of the public utilities bills for all those who live below the minimum subsistence level.