Trade Union Leader Foresees Tensions in Sectors of Bulgarian Economy in Autumn

The chairperson of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (KNSB) Plamen Dimitrov expects tensions in many sectors of the economy to occur in the autumn.

This could result in the staging of protests and strikes, Dimitrov said on Saturday, Darik radio informs.

The trade union leader pointed to the energy sector as one of the areas most likely to experience such developments.

This was due both to the increase in the prices of electricity and the worsening outlook for many small firms in the sector.

Dimitrov noted that prior to the summer season, there was an escalation of tension in the Hail Suppression Agency, the Irrigation Systems company and other agricultural structures.

According to him, conflicts should also be expected in the cultural sector as museum, libraries and cultural centers have not been provided with additional funding and these institutions are likely to run out of money in October-November.

Dimitrov added that for certain sectors there have been no pay rises for a sixth consecutive year and pressure has been building up.

In his words, tensions should also be expected in the healthcare sector, especially if the health ministers fails to find compromise for his proposals as the guild does not accept many of his ideas.

As regards the trilateral cooperation council, which includes representatives of the government, employers' organisations and trade unions, Dimitrov said that regular meetings were being held, but its effectiveness has not reached the desired level.

He noted that a working dialogue was established only during the discussions of the pension reform, with all partners making compromises.

Dimitrov said that new discussions of the education reform is forthcoming...