The decline was attributed to multiple factors, including the loss of more than 300,000 members in the break-away region of Transdinistr, the disappearance of social services (holidays, education, training) provided by the Federation during the Soviet-period, widespread privatization of state-assets and subsequent losses of employment, anti-union actions of company owners and managers, failures to oppose government measures liberalising the economy and internal conflict between the Federation's leadership and affiliated unions.
The decline was attributed to multiple elements including a substantial decrease in membership from Transdinistr, the absence of social services during the Soviet period, privatization of state assets causing job losses, anti-union actions by company owners and managers, government economic reforms not opposed, and internal conflicts within the Federation's leadership.