“There is an unprecedented labor shortage in Romania. I’ve been in this business for 13 or 14 years and have not seen anything like it so far. Romania, in general, and Bucharest, in particular, have developed a lot and many companies opened offices and manufaturing facilities here. Unemployment is very low in Bucharest and Ilfov,” says Zoe Dobre, HR manager of the City Grill group.
The group is now considering bringing people from Asia, from countries with a lower living standard, or from the Republic of Moldova. To do it, it worked with an agency that also brings people from Philippines. The new employees will work as kitchen help or bust stuff.
“We are looking at the underprivileged areas of Romania, too, wherefrom we bring people to Bucharest. We try to find people who are no more than two hours away from Bucharest and provide transportation. Such an employee costs more, indeed, but we’re already unable to find labor in Bucharest.”
The company pays its waiting staff the minimum wage, but tips may double or triple the monthly income depending on the restaurant and the number of hours worked. The hotel and restaurant industry is known for its low pay, most often close to the minimum wage level.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)