site.btaFarmers Discuss Changes to One-Day Labour Contracts with Labour Minister Gutsanov

During the 3rd National Meeting of Fruit and Vegetable Producers  here on Thursday, agricultural producers raised concerns about one-day labor contracts and the heavy bureaucracy involved. They discussed the issue with the Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, and scheduled a working meeting with him for March 5.

Lachezar Temelkov, a farmer from Sliven, explained that it is unrealistic for them to be required to create 100 or 200 one-day labour contracts each morning, which is overwhelming for their administration. He suggested that this could be solved in a way that avoids the shadow economy. He also pointed out that if a worker is found working without a contract, the farmer's subsidy is directly halted.

Minister Gutsanov responded that while workers must be protected, the Government should not create additional difficulties for employers. He assured that a solution would be sought that benefits the Bulgarian economy.

Regarding social reactions to price hikes, Gutsanov acknowledged that it is normal for people to protest when prices in stores are higher than in Austria. He emphasized that the Government is working on reducing prices through reasonable methods, adding, "I too won’t go to the stores today." He was referring to the third nation-wide boycott of large supermarket chains planned for Thursday.

The Minister also discussed the idea of increasing maternity leave benefits for the second year, which is being considered for the next budget. He suggested it should be at least the minimum wage of BGN 1,077 for this year.

Gutsanov assured that no projects of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy are at risk of lacking funding. He said it's important to utilize as much funding as possible under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, although some funds may remain unused.

Minister Gutsanov participated in the 3rd National Meeting of Fruit and Vegetable Producers, where he presented the state measures for supporting employment and providing workforce for the agricultural sector. The event was organized by the National Branch Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables.