Labor Code: useful information for employees

Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova guarantees employees the right to timely payment of wages, safe working conditions and annual paid leave.

Key aspects of the Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova (LC RM) for employees:

Employment contract: Concluded in writing. A fixed-term contract is possible in the event of the temporary absence of the primary employee, seasonal work, internships, or with foreigners.
Working Hours: Normal duration is up to 40 hours per week.
Dismissal at the employee's initiative: The contract may be terminated with one month's notice.
Dismissal at the employer's initiative: Permitted in the event of liquidation, staff reduction, health issues, or repeated failure to perform duties.
Guarantees upon dismissal: The employee is entitled to payment of the remaining salary and compensation for unused vacation.

For accurate information, we recommend using the official portal Legis.md, or engaging the services of professional lawyers specializing in the required matter or licensed attorneys.

Key provisions for employees in Moldova:

Employment contract: Must be in writing. It must specify working conditions, salary (basic and additional), and work schedule.
Probationary period: May not exceed 6 months, including the probationary period upon hiring.
Working hours and rest: The standard working time is 40 hours per week. The Labor Code regulates rest time and breaks.
Wages: Timely and full payment of wages is guaranteed. The employment contract must specify the components of the salary.
Dismissal: Dismissal initiated by the employer requires written notice, often 1–2 months in advance. In some cases, the employee is required to work for 14 days.
Severance Pay: The employee is entitled to the remainder of their salary, compensation for unused vacation, and, in certain cases, sick leave pay.

Basic Rights and Obligations of an Employee

Basic Rights of an Employee

Employment: Conclusion, modification, and termination of a contract.
Payment: Timely and full payment of wages.
Safety: A workplace that complies with occupational safety and health standards.
Rest: Annual paid leave, limited working hours.
Protection: from unlawful dismissal and discrimination.
Right: to professional training and dispute resolution.

Обязанности работника

a) to conscientiously fulfill their work obligations stipulated in the individual employment contract;
b) to fulfill the established work norms;
c) to comply with the requirements of the internal regulations of the unit, if developed and approved by the employer, and to carry the nominal work access permit granted by the employer at all times;
d) to respect work discipline;
d¹) to demonstrate non-discriminatory behavior in relation to other employees and the employer;
d²) to respect the right to dignity at work of other employees;
d³) to demonstrate behavior free from violence and/or harassment within the framework of employment relationships;
e) to comply with health and safety requirements in work;
f) to demonstrate a responsible attitude towards the employer's and other employees' property;
g) to immediately inform the employer or the immediate manager about any situation that poses a danger to the life and health of people or to the integrity of the employer's assets;
g¹) to immediately inform the employer or the immediate manager about the impossibility of reporting to work and to present, within 5 working days after resuming work, the documents justifying the absence;
h) to pay the mandatory state social insurance contributions and the mandatory health insurance premiums in the established manner;
i) to fulfill other obligations provided for by the legislation in force, the collective labor agreement and collective agreements.

Key Points of Employment and Work

Labor Relations: Arise on the basis of an employment contract or actual admission to work.
Probationary Period: May not exceed 3 months (for managers and their deputies – up to 6 months).
Dismissal: Is carried out strictly on the grounds stipulated by the Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova, with mandatory notification.

The employee has the right to receive full information about their labor rights, including familiarization with local regulations.

Helpful Tips

Employment Record: Is the primary document on employment.
Collective Agreement: May provide for additional benefits, more favorable than those provided by law.
Protection of Rights: If the terms are violated, the employee has the right to contact the Labor Inspectorate, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Prosecutor's Office, or the court.

Employer Rights

Employer Responsibilities

The employer is obligated to respect employee rights, including working hours and dismissal procedures.

The coordination of occupational health and safety in the Republic of Moldova is carried out by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

The main legal basis of the Republic of Moldova

Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova No. 154/2003
Law No. 186/2008 on Occupational Health and Safety of the Republic of Moldova