International Workers’ Day was marked in Bulgaria with demonstrations and discussions emphasizing demands for fair wages and workplace safety. The observance of this international day commemorates the historical struggles of the labor movement. During the commemorations, various political figures addressed the current economic climate.
President Iliana Iotova highlighted the ongoing struggle for decent work, social security, and fair income across Bulgaria and globally, criticizing the persistence of the “working poor” category. Meanwhile, Caretaker Labour Minister Hasan Ademov stated that future governments must develop comprehensive, long-term income policies through dialogue with social partners, while emphasizing the need to preserve social benefits. Labor organizations were central to the activities.
During a procession in Sofia, Podkrepa Labour Confederation President Dimitar Manolov called for improvements in wages and job prospects for workers in both the public and private sectors. Manolov cited political instability and the transition to the euro as factors causing wages to lag behind prices. He advocated for strengthening collective bargaining mechanisms and easing regulations surrounding strikes.
The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) President Plamen Dimitrov addressed budgetary concerns, rejecting calls for drastic spending cuts in the 2026 budget and demanding a 10% income increase. To support workers, CITUB also introduced a free AI platform offering consultations on labor rights, marking the first such union assistant in Europe. These varied statements underscore the ongoing focus of Bulgarian workers on economic stability and labor rights on this international day.
Topics: #workers #day #international
It’s important that labor rights and safety standards remain a central focus for policymakers.