site.btaExperts Discuss Measures against Labour Exploitation and Undeclared Work

Bulgarian and foreign experts discussed measures to counter labour exploitation and undeclared work, agreeing that improved awareness and closer cooperation between countries would strengthen efforts to tackle the issue. The topic was the focus of a Friday conference entitled “Improving cooperation: Developing cross-border approaches to counter labour exploitation”, organized by the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (NCCTHB) in partnership with the European Labour Authority and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of Bulgaria.

Strengthening cross-border cooperation is crucial, as labour exploitation affects not only individual countries but entire societies and economies, said NCCTHB Secretary Daniela Saveklieva. She underlined that Bulgaria is actively working on prevention and protection measures for vulnerable groups. “The line between labour exploitation and human trafficking is becoming increasingly blurred,” Saveklieva noted, adding that the Commission is working intensively to build a prevention system. Awareness campaigns targeting workers, as well as training for mediators, experts and local authority representatives, are among the actions implemented over the years, she said.

Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) MEP Kristian Vigenin (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) said that there can be no day off when it comes to human dignity. He stressed that institutional efforts must focus on creating an environment in which people can work with dignity. Vigenin underlined the importance of creating better working conditions in Bulgaria so that citizens are not forced to leave the country and face “another reality where their human dignity is stripped away.” Through the work of the European Parliament, he said, efforts are being made to ensure that freedom of movement does not turn into vulnerability. He added that the European Commission is expected to present a package on fair labour mobility early next year.

Executive Director of the General Labour Inspectorate, Ekaterina Asenova, noted that the problem of undeclared work remains serious. According to her, construction, agriculture and trade are among the high-risk sectors. Asenova stressed that effective control is a top priority for Bulgarian labour inspectors, and that such controls are carried out daily. The agency also focuses on prevention and informing citizens about their rights, she added.

European Labour Authority Executive Director Cosmin Boiangiu said that collective efforts to promote fair labour productivity and support the employment of new workers are essential. He highlighted awareness campaigns targeting both workers and employers as a way to address the issue. Boiangiu also pointed to the need to facilitate cooperation between EU Member States and ensure the protection of workers’ rights in cross-border employment.

Antoine Kasel, Director for Labour Mobility and International Relations at the European Labour Authority, said that ensuring equal treatment of local and so-called mobile workers is also essential. He underlined the need to guarantee decent working conditions for foreign workers and support their integration, while also drawing attention to the shortage of workers across Europe.

Claire Harasty, Director of the Regional Office for Central and Eastern Europe at the International Labour Organization, stressed that protecting those working outside their home countries is crucial. She pointed out that lack of access to legal protection, language barriers, social isolation and fear of losing one’s job often prevent workers from seeking help. According to Harasty, governments, employers and trade unions must work together to protect workers from labour exploitation.

The conference was opened by Bulgaria’s Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov.