"Transgaz" and "Romgaz" will take anticrisis measures, but will not resort to layoffs

The central authorities recently announced that they plan to layoff around 2600 employees in companies where the state is the majority shareholder. However, these measures will not apply to Transgaz and Romgaz. The managers of the two companies recently state for our newspaper stated that the two companies have not laid off staff in 2009 and they will not resort to layoffs in 2010 either. They said however that the two companies have taken steps to alleviate the effects of the economic crisis.

According to the management of "Transgaz", the company did not lay off any employees last year. Elisabeta Ghidiu, the company"s spokesperson said that the reduction in the number of employees was caused by retirements. "Considering the programs for investing in developing and modernizing the system for 2010, the company is not considering any layoffs this year ", she said.

According to company officials, "Romgaz" doesn"t any have plans to layoff staff this year. However, last year, both companies have implemented cost cutting measures, which will continue into this year.

Last year, "Transgaz" reconsidered to a minimum the program for the repair and rehabilitation of the National Gas Transmission System, by lowering the expenses to a minimum, in order to keep the system functioning within safety parameters. This also included steps to reduce technological consumption, as well as cutting down on entertainment expenses.

In 2009, "Romgaz" has cut its administrative overheads by 10%, amid the economic crisis, but left the production expenses untouched, as the exploration and production program continues with important amounts.

In the electricity sector, 1,600 employees will be fired by the National Coal Company, (300 from The Oltenia National Lignite Company, 300 from Termoelectrica as well as 200-250 employees from the power stations in the Valea Oltului region. The Ministry of the Economy said that the layoffs will save 43 million lei in 2010 and 41 million lei in 2011. All of the aforementioned companies have implemented programs for cost cutting and personnel reduction in 2009.

(Article published at the request of our readers)