Moldovan labour minister explains new leave rules to teachers

Labour and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru has provided explanations for teaching staff about the changes to the way of calculating annual leave, in the context of public concerns about an alleged reduction in the number of leave days.

The official assured that the new provisions do not result in any losses for the education employees, neither in terms of days off nor in terms of leave-related income.

“I have heard some concerns about changing the number of leave days from 62 calendar days to 49 working days, and today I want to speak to you openly, with numbers, about how I believe this should correctly be understood. Because the reality is exactly the opposite: you are not losing days off, and you are not losing your leave pay,” the minister said.

She noted that the differences related to the calculation way, since under the previous system weekends were included.

“In fact, we are not comparing the same thing. The 62 calendar days of vacation also included all weekends. Thus, when you had 62 calendar days of leave, you were actually resting at home for approximately 44 working days, while under the new provisions you will have 49 working days of leave. This actually means five additional working days compared to how many days you had until now.”

The minister stressed that incomes would not be affected by the new rules.

“You are not losing your leave money either, because one day of leave will be equal to one paid working day.”

At the same time, Natalia Plugaru specified that the rights accumulated previously stayed valid.

“All leave days that have been accumulated so far are preserved. Your work with the children and young people of this country is valued and recognized and your right to rest remains fully protected.”

In conclusion, the minister referred to the broader reform in the education sector and to wage policy.

“For us, respect for teachers and education staff does not mean just words, but also better salaries, better conditions and recognition of the work you do every day. The reform of the leave system goes hand in hand with the remuneration reform proposed by the government of Moldova.”

The new rules are to be applied starting from January 1, 2027, after all necessary stages for the approval and entry into force of the draft have been completed.