Hey bro, did you hear the latest? From Thursday, God forbid you have business at customs, because the wind will blow through you. The unionists from Meridian, with their boss Voinea Negoiță, have officially declared 'excess of zeal'. What does that mean? That they apply all procedures by the book, with checks even on the receipt for your shawarma if you cross the border. Naturally, these guys are pissed that the new salary law project doesn't give them what they want. So, rest assured, our joy is to stand in line, like we did in Ceaușescu's time for bread. Now, instead of bread, you wait for trucks with goods. Mioara was saying this morning: 'Man, if I have to stand at customs like at the Lidl queue, I'm outta here.' So, bro, get ready for patience.
Listen up, because I remember everything. The National Union Meridian, those who represent Customs employees, announced that the protest consists of 'strict and rigorous application of all customs control procedures'. That is, if until now they let the truck with contraband cigarettes slide under the table, now they check every little piece of paper. And not only at the border, but also inland, at customs points across the country. As they say, 'excess of zeal' is a national sport. I have a buddy of mine who does transport, he said if this happens, he'll sleep in his truck for a week. No joke.
And why are they doing this? Well, bro, because of the new salary law project. The unionists say they are not satisfied with the provisions that concern them, plus poor working conditions, staff shortages, and 'lack of normal and institutional dialogue with decision-makers'. That is, they complain, and those in government play deaf. Voinea Negoiță, their leader, sent a statement saying that 'the measures are determined by grievances mainly related to the provisions regarding this professional category'. Seriously, are they talking about someone else? I'm also unhappy with my salary, but I don't make queues at customs for it. At least they have a secure job, unlike others.
Who benefits from this? Guess. Us, the suckers, who do imports or want to leave the country. The unionists warn that waiting times will increase. And that they could even trigger a general strike. Yes, you heard right: they have already notified the management of the Customs Authority that they are preparing for a labor conflict, with a warning strike and then a general one. Until then, from Thursday, we'll be eating our nerves in line. And I was planning to go to the Bulgarians to get cheaper cigarettes. Now, maybe I won't even make it.
This is Romania, bro. Someone is unhappy, and we pay. Just like when cigarettes got more expensive. I'm going now to tell Relu, who has a transport company, that it's better to stay home. Or maybe we'll do like in 'Filantropica': scam for scam. But until then, let's watch the news, because maybe someone from the government will fall and negotiations will happen. When that will be, I don't know. For now, customs is blocked. Good luck in line!
