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 various causes such as a significant reduction in membership from Transdinistr, the cessation of social services during the Soviet era, privatization of state assets leading to job losses, anti-union actions by company leaders, government economic reforms that were not opposed, and internal conflicts within the Federation's leadership.