site.btaInternational Labour Organization Chief Praises Bulgaria's Financial Discipline and Economic Growth

International Labour Organization Chief Praises Bulgaria's Financial Discipline and Economic Growth

Sofia, June 24 (BTA) - International Labour Organization (ILO)
Director-General Guy Ryder on Wednesday praised Bulgaria's
financial discipline and economic growth, the Labour and Social
Policy Ministry reported. The assessment was made during Ryder's
 working meeting with Labour and Social Policy Minister Ivailo
Kalfin in Sofia.

Kalfin updated the guest on the country's pension reform aiming
at levelling the retirement age for men and women and gradually
increasing the required length of contributory service for Work
Category 3, the most common of three work categories. The
minister also explained the changes in the retirement conditions
 for Work Categories 1 and 2. He expressed hope that Parliament
will approve the reforms this summer.

Ryder was also told about the government's success in combating
social and health insurance evasion.

Kalfin said his ministry wants to encourage unemployed people to
 use the services of employment mediators at job centres. His
aspiration is that 160,000 young people will find jobs. He noted
 that those youths who are not actively seeking jobs usually
have a low education level but expect too much of employers.

At 360 leva, the minimum monthly wage is too low, and it is the
only leverage the government can use to influence pay rates,
Kalfin said.

Ryder laid emphasis on ILO's cooperation with Bulgaria in the
field of income policy. Kalfin noted that his ministry is
working with other departments to create a new mechanism for
setting the minimum wage, which will later be discussed with
employers and trade unions. The European Commission has made
recommendations to this effect.