High-Paying Driver & Watman Jobs in Bulgaria: Salary Over 2000 BGN, Bonuses Exceed 4000 BGN
Sofia Public Transport Workers Protest for Higher Wages, Blocking Key intersections
Sofia, Bulgaria – Public transport workers in Sofia staged a protest Monday, April 14, 2025, blocking major intersections and demanding a pay increase of 400 BGN, retroactive to April 1. The action caused important traffic disruptions during the morning commute.
Protest Details and Demands
The protest involved workers from Sofia, Varna and Ruse who gathered at key locations, including the intersection of Dragan Tsankov Boulevard and Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev Boulevard, Eagle Bridge, vasil Levski Stadium metro station, and Macedonia Square. Traffic was also halted on Rakovski Street. Demonstrators then converged in front of the ministry of Finance before marching to the Sofia Municipality building.
The protesters are demanding a 400 BGN salary increase, arguing that the current offer from the Sofia Municipality of only 100 BGN is insufficient. lyuboslav Kostov, chief economist at CITUB, stated that without a more substantial increase, a shortage of drivers is imminent.He called on the Ministry of Finance to allocate additional funds to meet the workers’ demands.
Specifically,protesters are seeking a 29 million BGN increase in state subsidies for Sofia’s public transport sector,along with 6.5 million BGN for Varna, 700,000 BGN for Ruse, and 4.5 million BGN for the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration.”
Workers’ Concerns
Ivan Sakarov from CT Podkrepa voiced concerns about the demanding work conditions, stating that drivers often begin their shifts at 2:30 a.m. and work 12- to 14-hour days due to staffing shortages. “This is murderous, we give ourselves health, and we do not have money,” sakarov said.
Union Response and Potential Strike Action
Unions have threatened further action, including a full-scale strike, if their demands are not met. A national strike committee has been established in Sofia.
Municipality’s Response
The Sofia Municipality acknowledged the importance of fair compensation but stated that the current budget cannot accommodate the requested increase. Deputy Mayor of Finance Ivan Vassilev, who addressed the protesters, said the municipality is working with the state to find necessary funds. He noted that the draft budget includes 15 million BGN for salary increases, equating to just over 100 BGN per worker.
Vassilev suggested a “targeted increase where it is necessary for drivers.” He also pointed out that salaries in the sector were raised by 15% during the first year of the current administration, and a bonus system was implemented.
Ministry of Finance Statement
the Ministry of Finance reminded that it is indeed within each mayor’s power to determine salaries in municipal companies. The state budget includes 522.3 million BGN for subsidies and compensation, which is 106.5 million BGN more than in 2024. This includes 106 million BGN for inland transport in the capital, an increase of 17 million BGN.
Sofia Public Transport Workers’ Protest: Key Questions and Answers
This article provides details on a protest by public transport workers in Sofia, Bulgaria, focusing on their demands for higher wages and the responses from the Sofia Municipality and the Ministry of Finance.
What are the Public Transport Workers Demanding in sofia?
The primary demand of the protesting public transport workers is a salary increase of 400 BGN, effective from April 1, as stated in the article.
Where Did the Public Transport Workers protest?
Workers gathered at several key locations in Sofia, including:
- the intersection of Dragan Tsankov Boulevard and Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev Boulevard
- Eagle Bridge
- Vasil Levski Stadium metro station
- Macedonia Square
- Rakovski Street
- In front of the Ministry of Finance
- Sofia Municipality building
Why are the Public Transport Workers Protesting?
The main reason for the protest is the workers’ dissatisfaction wiht the current salary offer from the Sofia Municipality. They believe the proposed 100 BGN increase is insufficient.they also cite demanding work conditions, including long hours and staffing shortages, outlined by Ivan Sakarov.
What is the Sofia Municipality’s Response to the Protest?
The Sofia Municipality acknowledges the importance of fair compensation. Though, they stated the current budget cannot accommodate the full 400 BGN increase requested by the workers. Deputy Mayor for Finance, Ivan Vassilev, mentioned that the municipality is working with the state to find additional funds.
What Salary Increase is the Sofia Municipality Offering?
The Sofia Municipality’s current offer is just over 100 BGN per worker, as mentioned by Deputy Mayor Ivan vassilev.
What is the Ministry of Finance’s Stance on the protest?
The Ministry of Finance reminded that it is within each mayor’s power to determine salaries in municipal companies. The state budget includes 522.3 million BGN for subsidies and compensation, which is 106.5 million BGN more than in 2024. This includes 106 million BGN for inland transport in the capital,an increase of 17 million BGN.
What are the Unions Threatening to Do?
Unions have threatened further action, including a full-scale strike, if the workers’ demands for higher wages are not met. A national strike committee has been established in Sofia.
How Much Money is Needed in Subsidies?
The protesters are seeking extra funds in subsidies split between different agencies, with each having it’s own allocated amount. This includes for Sofia,Varna,Ruse,and the Executive Agency “Automobile Governance”.
What are some of the key figures and bodies involved, and what are their roles?
Here’s a summary of the key entities involved and their roles:
| Entity | Role |
|---|---|
| Sofia Public Transport Workers | Protesting for higher wages and better working conditions. |
| Sofia Municipality | Responsible for managing the city’s public transport and determining salaries. |
| Ministry of finance | Oversees the state budget and subsidies for public transport. |
| CITUB (Confederation of Self-reliant Trade Unions in Bulgaria) – Lyuboslav Kostov | Chief economist, advocating for increased wages. |
| CT Podkrepa – Ivan Sakarov | Union member voicing workers concerns about work conditions. |
| National Strike Committee | Organizing potential future strike activity. |