site.btaEmployment Agency Is Prepared to Take Care of Workers after Maritsa East 3 Coal Plant Suspended Operation - Minister

The Employment Agency is fully prepared and has resources available from the EU funds to take care of workers after the Contour Global Maritsa East 3 coal plant stopped operation, and everybody will get their individual career plan, Social Policy Minister Ivanka Shalapatova said on bTV Sunday.

Maritsa East 3 suspended operation in late February as its long-term contract with the National Electricity Company for purchase of its electricity at preferential prices expired. A refurbishment programme has started at the plant. The company employs some 400 workers.

Shalapatova said that on Tuesday she invited the trade unions and the management of the power plant to discuss "week by week coordinated actions".

She said training on new skills was planned for those who would remain on the job.

"We were informed of the employer's plans. Within the framework of our action plan, even while people's notice is running, we are starting a procedure together with the trade unions for what is called mapping and research of attitudes, but also of the competences of the people who will be made redundant first," Shalapatova further explained.