Romanian workers at new Odense hospital construction unpaid for months

Romanian construction workers building Denmark’s largest new hospital, Nyt OUH in Odense, say they have not received wages for March and April, with many colleagues already returning to Romania due to unpaid salaries, DR reports.

Alex Andone, one of the few English-speaking workers, told DR he never expected such conditions in Denmark. “We’ve always been told things are done properly here. But we feel like slaves,” he said. The workers are employed by Romanian subcontractor Raffa and Team Solutions, whose director, Cristiana Chereches, confirmed the payment delays.

The Italian main contractor, Odense Hospital Project Team (OHPT), acknowledged the issue in a statement to DR, calling the delay “regrettable” but confirming back pay had now been processed. “It is, of course, too late and regrettable,” said OHPT spokesperson Christian Lemvigh.

Region Syddanmark, the project owner, stressed that wage payments fall under the main contractor’s responsibility. “It’s deeply regrettable for the employees not getting paid on time,” said regional council chair Bo Libergren, adding that the region pays its invoices to OHPT promptly.

Union leader Torben Knudsen of 3F Bygningsarbejderne Fyn said the situation was unacceptable. “I don’t care who’s to blame—workers bending their backs here deserve their pay. How can this happen in Denmark? It simply shouldn’t,” he said.

Raffa and Team Solutions, which once employed over 200 workers on the site, now has around 20 remaining. Director Chereches said partial funds received Thursday would cover March wages for 39 employees, but April salaries remain unpaid. “A few more will likely leave,” she said.

The €1.5 billion Nyt OUH project, originally set for completion in 2022, is now delayed until late 2027. With 912 beds and 52 operating theatres, it will be Denmark’s largest new hospital.