In an unexpected and highly controversial move, the Romanian Government has announced a significant cut in the salaries of foresters, reducing their earnings by 25%. This measure, which affects more than 20,000 forestry employees, was taken without any prior consultation with the public, and was implemented through Emergency Ordinance No. 4/2025. Foresters and the trade unions representing them were not given any clear justification for this decision, which has heightened the sense of discontent and insecurity within this professional category.
The measure affects staff in several key institutions, including the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, the National Forest Guard, the regime forestry offices, Romsilva and the National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry. The decision to cut salaries without public consultation was met with harsh criticism from those involved. The Federation of Forestry Trade Unions Silva reacted immediately, issuing a statement expressing its dissatisfaction with the total disregard for dialog and cooperation with forestry staff.
The unions emphasize that this measure was not preceded by any negotiation or consultation process including the impacted employees. This non-transparent approach raises questions about how personnel policies are managed and demotivates employees who feel unappreciated and marginalized. The pay cut has therefore come as a shock not only to environmental advocates, but also to local and regional governments who rely on the work and expertise of these specialists to implement sustainable and effective policies.
At the same time, trade unions feel isolated in a climate of structural inequity. This decision seems to come without a careful analysis of the long-term implications, both for the environment and for the forest economy which depends on effectively managed and motivated staff. Reducing funding and compensation for these vital staff could have repercussions on efforts to protect forests and effectively manage Romania's natural resources.
The differential treatment faced by foresters compared to other sectors has exacerbated the sense of inequity. At the same government meeting where the salary cuts for foresters were announced, favorable measures were adopted for other categories of employees, such as policemen and military personnel. This discrepancy was clearly noticed by foresters, described by the Silva Silva Federation of Forestry Unions as "paradoxical and humiliating treatment".
The context in which decisions to increase benefits for one sector and reduce them for another are taken without clear justification underlines a growing sense of inequality and disrespect. Forestry employees are concerned not only about the immediate impact of wage cuts on their incomes, but also about the long-term outlook for a profession that requires continuous commitment and ongoing training in the face of complex and changing environmental challenges.
In conclusion, the government's decision to cut the salaries of foresters without proper consultation and explanation has provoked a storm of reactions from trade unions, but also from opinion leaders in academia and social circles. The urgent need for dialog and renegotiation appears as a priority in order to restore the balance between economic interests and those of protecting the welfare of the professions that contribute to national health and environmental safety in Romania.
