site.btaLabour Code Revisions to Remedy Unpaid Wages Issue

Sofia, July 26 (BTA) - Parliament voted 138 in favour, with one abstention, to approve Labour Code amendments targeting employers who do not pay wages. The proposal was made by MPs of all parliamentary groups after the issue was explored by an ad hoc committee. Ombudsman Maya Manolova and the trade unions also demanded the revisions.

Hassan Ademov, Chairman of the Labour, Social and Demographic Policy Committee, said unscrupulous employers would be disciplined as the General Labour Inspectorate Executive Agency is given the power to check the payment of wages and compensation even after the employer-employee relationship has been terminated and to make binding recommendations. The amendments specify a time frame for the payment of compensation, and provide for the payment of a default interest.

Also, employers who owe back wages cannot tender for public procurement contracts.

Wages and compensation can be paid from the fund which guarantees workers' receivables. Guaranteed receivables are payable within three months after a court ruling for the opening of bankruptcy proceedings has been entered in the Commercial Register.

A proposed amendment to the Civil Procedure Code would allow workers to demand an immediate enforcement order, based on recommendations of the General Labour Inspectorate which have entered into force. This will make it easier for employees to claim unpaid wages and compensation. In addition, there will be no need to go to court to establish the grounds for, and the amount of, the receivables.