Urban Transport Workers Demand Fair Wages

Transport workers in both Sofia and Varna are pushing for significant salary increases, leading to potential disruptions in urban transport.Following the lead of Sofia’s transport unions, Varna workers are demanding a BGN 350 increase this year, followed by an additional BGN 400 next year. These demands highlight a growing concern over fair compensation for essential public service employees.

Sofia’s Transport Crisis: A Timeline of Events

Sofia recently experienced a six-day blockade that severely impacted public transport. The strike, driven by demands for better wages, prompted government intervention. In response,the Prime Minister and Finance Minister announced BGN 15 million from the state budget to provide a BGN 300 increase for employees in the four municipal transport companies. This decision was made following discussions with GERB leader Boyko Borisov.

Political Wrangling and Accusations

The transport crisis has become entangled in political disputes.GERB leader Boyko Borisov stated he urged Rosen Zhelyazkov to engage with Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev to prevent a potential shutdown of the subway system. However, Borisov claimed Terziev resisted state intervention. In response to the government’s offer, PP-DB co-Chairman kiril Petkov criticized the move as a revival of an outdated approach, likening it to “throwing money from the jeep.” Borisov retorted that Terziev should return the BGN 15 million if he disagreed and even suggested he resign if unable to govern effectively.

I asked Rosen Zhelyazkov to talk to Mayor Terziev when there was a risk and the subway to stop.
Boyko Borisov,GERB Leader

Mayor Terziev’s Position and State Subsidies

Mayor Terziev’s initial offer to the protesting workers involved a smaller sum,influenced by the municipality’s financial constraints and the potential transfer of metro security responsibilities to the state. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov clarified that the government’s action was misinterpreted, emphasizing that the increased subsidy was for urban transport in general, not specifically for driver salaries, thus allowing Terziev discretion in allocating the funds.

There was more a political interpretation of what the government did without the necessary facts. The subsidy for urban transport has been increased,not the salaries of the drivers,which allows Terziev to decide what to do with the funds.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov

Ongoing Transport Disruptions

The transport sector in Sofia has been substantially affected. Ground public transport workers initiated an eight-hour strike, causing widespread disruption across the city [[3]]. As of Wednesday, only the metro was operational due to the ongoing strike [[2]]. The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in bulgaria has announced an indefinite strike, indicating that the transport issues may persist until a resolution is reached [[1]].

Varna’s Parallel Struggle

Mirroring the situation in Sofia, Varna is also grappling with potential transport disruptions. Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, like Sofia’s Vasil Terziev, is affiliated with PP-DB, adding a layer of political similarity to the challenges faced by both cities. The coordinated demands from transport workers in both cities suggest a broader movement for improved working conditions and wages within Bulgaria’s public transport sector.