Declaration of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova on the abolition of the right to early retirement

The National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova disapproves and expresses categorically against the proposal to abolish the right to early retirement.

This right was obtained thanks to the insistence of the trade unions, which proposed to diminish the impact of the increase of the retirement age, which took place with the implementation of the reform of the pension system, although the average life expectancy in the Republic of Moldova is quite low.

We mention that, according to official statistical data, the average life expectancy in the Republic of Moldova in 2016 was 72.2 years, including men – 68.1 and women – 76.1 years. Thus, on average, men live after retirement just over 5 years, and women – just over 18 years old.

Currently, this right applies only to men, which creates conditions of discrimination in relation to women. This situation could be avoided if at the stage of amending the pension legislation a profound analysis of the application of the right in question was made. It would have led, irremediably, to the development of a legal rule that would exclude discrimination.

In the situation on 1 October 2017, 6020 people were entitled to early retirement. The exclusion in 2018 of the right to early retirement and the elaboration of a new regulation on this chapter within 6 months after the law comes into force is not a solution. Much of the eligible person under the current law will no longer be able to benefit from this right, which will cause a social revolt.

Starting from the ones outlined, the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova insists on maintaining the right to early retirement, while at the same time drafting proposals for amending the legislation with a view to ensuring equal rights for women and men.