Microsoft Romania signs first-ever collective labour agreement, securing worker protections

Workers at Microsoft Romania have signed their first-ever collective labour agreement (CBA), securing stronger rights, protections, and benefits through union representation for over 1,500 employees. The CBA, valid for two years, was negotiated by Sindicatul Liber din Telecomunicații (SLTC) in coordination with ANTIC, the national federation for tech sector unions. It marks the first union breakthrough in a leading multinational tech company in Romania—a country where union organizing in the private sector has faced significant barriers until recent years.

The move follows the formation of a union at Microsoft Romania in early 2024, after amendments to the country’s Social Dialogue Law in 2022 made it easier for private sector workers to organize. Despite official court recognition, the union faced opposition from the company, which initially sought to negotiate with employee representatives instead. After months of delay, negotiations finally began in September 2024. Over 30 intense bargaining sessions followed, and in January 2025, a collective agreement was signed. The agreement was formally registered with the Romanian authorities in March, making it official.

 A New Standard for Tech Workers

The CBA delivers wide-ranging improvements for Microsoft Romania employees, including:

• Access to premium healthcare services
• A full social benefits package
• Enhanced legal protections in workplace negotiations
• A mental health and burnout prevention plan, including extra paid leave
• Competitive financial provisions aligned with global standards
• A professional training and reskilling plan to support career growth

The agreement also establishes regular quarterly meetings between the union and management to address emerging issues and adapt to the fast-changing tech landscape. As artificial intelligence and other technologies rapidly reshape the world of work, Microsoft Romania’s agreement shows that collective bargaining remains a vital tool to ensure fairness, security, and opportunity for tech workers.