5,000 construction workers could lose jobs in autumn

At least 5,000 construction workers could go on technical unemployment this autumn, when a large number of major construction projects are completed, mainly in Bucharest – Cotroceni Park and Sun Plaza for instance, and the residential complexes Rasarit de Soare and Romfelt Plaza.

At the same time, real estate investors are not likely to start new projects, which could leave many of the workers out of a job.

The real estate and the constructions markets are now merely carrying through projects started in 2007 or even earlier, with the number of construction sites having decreased over the last few months.

Over 40,000 workers left the constructions sector in the past year, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute, and the average salary remained rather steady, at around 1,100 RON in net sum, according to the same source.

“There will definitely be no moves signalling the start of new residential projects, malls or office buildings before next spring, while the effects of the “First home” scheme on the new apartments segment will also begin to show next year,” says Cristian Erbasu, general manager of Erbasu construction company and president of the Construction Employers Association. In the absence of projects started by private investors, working for the state could be a solution, provided that the route between design and execution is shortened.

“Blacksmiths and carpenters could have a tough time finding work, considering that winter will come shortly after completion of these projects. However, some of the workers could be drawn into public investment projects, swimming pools, sporting facilities, for which auctions have already been held,” Erbasu said.

The biggest projects set for launch this autumn are Cotroceni Park and Sun Plaza, which now employ around 3,000 workers.