Romanian labour law was changed radically in 2011, causing a rapid demolition of the multi-layered collective bargaining system, despite the existence of relatively strong unions. This article examines the foundation of new employers’ prerogatives, and whether they have been willing and able to use them in manufacturing sectors and companies where unions have a strong hold. It focuses on extreme cases of change and continuity in setting the terms and conditions of employment after 2008. Employers have been able to use the new legal provisions to worsen employment conditions, but there is variation across companies depending on employers’ attitudes, developments in collective bargaining in other large companies in the area and unions’ capacity to mobilize. This analysis facilitates a better understanding of the consequences of downgrading individual and collective employment rights.