APAPS goes to war with union leaders

The Privatisation Authority (APAPS) is accusing certain union leaders at the Brasov-based plants, whose workers did not cease protesting on the streets yesterday, of obstructing negotiations with the foreign investors interested in the privatisation of Roman and Tractorul.
The workers at the Roman, Tractorul and Rulmentul plants resumed protests yesterday and blocked road traffic at Brasov’s exit to Bucharest again. Furthermore the employees at Tractorul and Rulmentul threw eggs at the PSD (Social Democrat Party) headquarters in Brasov, ignited a tyre and then some of them threw their clothes on fire. The union leaders were unable to tell whether the protests would go on over the next few days, saying it was solely up to the workers.
“After having instigated the people by saying the ordinance (which stipulates 19,000 layoffs i.e.) is diabolic, the union leaders have taken shelter in a statement, which is at least unfortunate: << We did our job as leaders, but now we can’t simply keep the people in check.>> In other words, <<You wouldn’t listen to us, now listen to unleashed anger of the workers,>>” George Musliu, APAPS deputy chairman said.
“I spoke with the union leader at Tractorul and told him I might pay a visit to the company together with the chairman of Landini (Italy), which is interested in the privatisation of the plant. How did they choose to answer? 5,000 people took to the streets to protest,” Musliu added.
The APAPS official also said the American and Italian investors interested in Roman and Tractorul had been waiting to get down to business and negotiate with the two companies since last week. “The representatives of the American Precision Castparts Corporation (PCC), the owner of Sterom Campina were on their way to Romania when the protests began. They stopped in Holland and are now waiting to be notified when things cool down,” Musliu said. He added the protests were only serving to create a perception of instability, and any business is built on elements that are sure not to modify in time.
As for Tractorul, APAPS wants it privatised by June 28. “This is because the company will be out of the financial supervision phase as of the 29th, which means any creditor can practically take steps against it, so that it may very well default. Which is the first step towards bankruptcy,” the APAPS official said.
He specified the officials of Landini, the world’s number four tractor maker that posted one billion euro turnover in 2002, had informally expressed interest in Tractorul three weeks before, yet they sent a letter stating their were keenly interested in the privatisation of the plant in Brasov as late as ten days ago.
Musliu added he was going to Brasov today along with Labour minister Marian Sarbu and other officials of the ruling party in order to suggest the workers other solutions besides those approved during the latest Government session (establishment of industrial, technology and software parks). He declined comment on those other solutions, though.