Romanian teachers threaten to go out on strike

BUCHAREST, Romania - Seventy thousand teachers in Romania are threatening to begin a strike on Monday, unless the government reconsiders its decision to postpone the 50 percent wage increase they were promised.

Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu passed a decree on Tuesday delaying the raise that Parliament had approved, saying it must wait until April 1, given the economic problems that Romania and other countries are facing.

Tariceanu also said inflation will rise in Romania if other public sector workers demand similar raises.

Leaders of a union representing the teachers will meet with Education Minister Anton Anton on Thursday to discuss their demands.

Meanwhile, Romania is preparing for a national election on Nov. 30.

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