Protesters argue they have not received wages and meal vouchers for two months, and invited Prime Minister Victor Ponta and the ministers of Finance and Economy to Ramnicu Valcea for talks.
“None of the promises made by authorities were kept. We believe that the privatization [of the plant] will be unsuccessful. All signs show they want to wind up the plant,” said union leader Mihai Diculoiu.
Oltchim announced in August it would put over 500 workers on furlough between August 27 and September 30, because of the lack of working capital needed to restart petrochemical activity in Pitesti.
The company abandoned the plan after hundreds of employees took to the streets dissatisfied with the measure.
Oltchim is majority owned by the Economy Ministry, with a 54.8% stake. Other shareholders are Germany-registered company PCC SE (18.3%) and investment fund Carlson Ventures, which holds 14.02% in Oltchim through Nachbar Services.
The company is set to be privatized in September, at the request of the International Monetary Fund. Oltchim’s net loss more than doubled on the year to 188.23 million lei (EUR41.95 million) in the first half, hurt by lower sales. (EUR1=RON4.494)