site.btaDeputy Labour Minister Efremova Attends International Labour Conference

Bulgaria will continue to respect and develop the principles of respect for universal human rights, equal access to opportunities, the right to social protection and a fair transition on the labour market, caretaker Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Natalia Efremova said at an event within the 112th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the Labour Ministry said Saturday. 

"Decent work requires the joint efforts of governments, social partners and the international community as a whole. Social dialogue is a necessary factor in overcoming the challenges and seizing the opportunities arising from the changing world of work," Efremova added. She reiterated Bulgaria's country's full commitment to ensure respect for workers' rights and to a just, fair and inclusive world of work.

Productivity and competitiveness of companies, digitalization and skills development, promotion of gender equality, non-discrimination, diversity and inclusion in the workplace are key priorities for employers aimed at creating sustainable employment and decent work, said the delegate of Bulgarian employers Evgeny Ivanov. Podkrepa Labour Confederation Vice President Ioannis Parteniotis stressed that "social justice is the responsibility of the whole society and the way to achieve balance and protect the interests of workers must be through social dialogue".

A few days ago, the caretaker Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Ivaylo Ivanov, met with the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, Gilbert Houngbo. Bulgaria's employment policy priorities for 2024 are in line with the priorities of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an initiative set up by the ILO Director-General, he assured.