site.btaProtest of Public Transport Workers in Sofia Begins, Intersections Blocked

The protest of public transport workers in Sofia has started. The action is part of a national protest under the motto "Decent work - decent pay! No economy without transport!", organized by the Federation of Transport Workers of the Podkrepa Labour Confederation and the Federation of Transport Trade Unions of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria.

Transport workers are demanding an increase in wages by BGN 400 from April 1.

Protesting workers closed the intersection at Dragan Tsankov Blvd. and Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev Blvd., near the Vasil Levski Stadium metro station, Eagle’s Bridge and Macedonia Square.

 “This action was necessary because the Sofia Municipality offered to increase the salaries of 7,000 transport workers in the four municipal transport companies in Sofia by only BGN 100,” said Ivan Kirilov, chairman of the Federation of Transport Workers. 

Alexander Shopov of the Federation of Transport Trade Unions told BTA that they want at least a BGN 400 increase of wages in Sofia. “We need to sit at the same table with representatives of the Finance Ministry and the municipalities to solve the problem of chronic underfunding of the sector,” Shopov added.

The protest in Macedonia Square was also joined by public transport workers from Varna and Ruse. According to protesters, an increase in the state subsidy of BGN 29 million is needed for public transport in Sofia, BGN 6.5 million for Varna, BGN 700 thousand for Ruse and BGN 4.5 million for the “Automobile Administration”.

“Every year we are like beggars and every year we ask for an increase, and they mock us, they offer us BGN 50-100,” said Ivan Sakarov of Podkrepa.

He added that the work of workers in the road transport is very hard - they get up at 2.30 am, there are no drivers and they work 12-14 hour shifts. “This is murderous, we give our health and we have no money,” Sakarov said.

In March 2024 the Sofia Municipality provided record funds for public transport in Sofia – in excess of BGN 500 million. This means better conditions and higher salaries for those working in the field, significantly better conditions for commuters and quality public transport, the municipality said at the time.

After the protest at Eagle’s Bridge ends, protesters will head to the Sofia Municipality building where they will make their demand.

The Sofia City Council is about to adopt the budget of the Sofia Municipality.