Moldova marks International Workers' Day

Moldova is marking International Workers' Day today. The holiday is dedicated to recognizing the efforts and contributions of each worker to the country's development.

Unemployment Rate Decreasing in Moldova

An important factor in the country's occupational policy is the unemployment rate. In Moldova, it recorded a value of 4 per cent in 2024, decreasing compared to 2023, when this indicator stood at 4.6 per cent.

According to the National Statistics Bureau (BNS), the labor force (the active population aged 15 and over) amounted to 889.1 thousand people last year, decreasing by 4.3 per cent compared to 2023.

The proportion of women in the labor force was 51 per cent, slightly higher than the one of men, who was 49 per cent. At the same time, the share of economically active people from rural areas was 50.3 per cent, slightly exceeding the share of those from urban areas, which stood at 49.7 per cent.

The employed population aged 15 and over was 853.9 thousand people, decreasing by 3.7 per cent against 2023. The average age of the employed population was 44 years.

As for the distribution by economic activities, 18.1 per cent of people worked in the agricultural sector and 81.9 per cent - in non-agricultural activities. The proportion of people employed in industry was 13.4 per cent, while in construction it was 7.5 per cent. As much as 61 per cent of the total employed population was active in the services sector. 

In terms of territory, 32.5 per cent of the employed population represented residents of the Chisinau municipality. With a relatively small difference, 28.8 per cent of total employment is in the Northern region, followed by the Central region with 23.8 per cent and, respectively, the Southern region with 14.8 per cent.

Legalization of Work, a Priority for Authorities

According to the latest official data, approximately 1 in 4 employees of Moldova work illegally, without an employment contract and without social benefits. The main areas where undeclared work is widespread are: construction, trade/HoReCa, private education, agriculture, transport, etc.

Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu explained the negative impact of undeclared work.

“The best form of social protection is a legal, well-paid job with safe conditions. Unfortunately, many Moldovans only discover at retirement that they have not accumulated a full contribution period because of illegal work. This phenomenon affects both the quality of life of our citizens and the country's economy as a whole,” said Alexei Buzu.





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The country's authorities have urged citizens to work legally for a safer future. Thus, undeclared work is not only an economic problem, but also endangers the fundamental rights of employees, such as the right to a pension, social leave, access to medical services, compensation in case of work accidents and other essential benefits.

“I wish that, in 2025, we identify more people who need to be legalized and give them the chance to be officially employed, in order to receive full social protection with all the facilities, according to the law,” Alexei Buzu noted.

Under the National Employment Programme 2022-2026, the authorities aim to reduce the proportion of undeclared work from 22.9 per cent in 2021 to 19 per cent in 2026.

In 2025, the Average Monthly Salary in Economy is 16,100 Lei

Starting from January 1, 2025, in Moldova, the average monthly salary in the economy increased by 2,400 lei and is now 16,100 lei.

As of January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in the country was increased by about 12.5 per cent - up to 4,000 lei, and in 2024, it grew by another 25 per cent, reaching 5,000 lei. The size of the minimum wage in 2025 is 5,500 lei, up by 500 lei against 2024.

The minimum wage for a full working programme of 169 hours is set at 32.54 lei per hour.

International Workers' Day Celebrated in More Countries

In 1889, the International Socialist Congress proclaimed May 1 as International Workers' Day, in memory of the victims of the general strike in Chicago (USA) in 1886, with the day being commemorated through workers' demonstrations.

Over time, May 1 became the holiday of labor movements in most countries, with various manifestations gaining significance, as authorities agreed with unions for this day to be a public holiday.

Among the countries marking the Labor Day, there are Belgium, Canada, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Spain, Turkey and others.

In Moldova, public employees and other categories of workers have a day off on May 1. On Friday, May 2, they will return to work.