Romanian coal miners end strike after government hikes wages

BUCHAREST, Romania – Romanian coal miners have ended a weeklong strike after the energy minister offered them wage hikes and other perks.

Anton Anton met union leaders and miners at the Oltenia Energy Complex in southern Romania on Thursday and offered higher salaries, an Easter bonus and vacation vouchers.

Media and the ministry reported that miners agreed to resume work after the mining company also agreed not to punish them for the walkout, which began Friday in two coal mines and then spread to other mines in the area.

A local court declared the strike illegal on Wednesday. One of the company’s three energy-producing units was forced to shut due to a lack of coal.

The complex provides brown coal for about 30 per cent of Romania’s electricity needs.