Industrial Workers of the World

The angry reaction to the amendment submitted on Monday by the government, which would have increased the quorum needed for a first-degree labor union to call a strike from one-third to more than 50 percent, emanates from two sources. 

Miners across the country commemorated their colleagues who died in accidents across the country to mark International Miners’ Day on Dec. 4.

The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria organised a protest for higher incomes of workers. The union has announced they will not support the budget because they want higher salaries in a number of sectors. The leadership of the Podkrepa Labor Code has refused to participate in the protest.

Bulgarians are celebrating Monday, May 1, the international Labor Day marking the struggle for dignified work and the feeling of solidarity amongst laborers.

Illustration

May Day is celebrated around the world this Monday, as well as in Serbia, where it is marked as Labor Day - a two-day non working state holiday.

May 1 is marked to commemorate the deadline given in 1886 by workers in Chicago - who were striking and protesting for the eight-hour workday - to their employers and the government to meet their demands.

The Athens and Piraeus hospital doctors' association (EINAP) announced Tuesday that it would join Thursday's 24-hour general strike called by the country's biggest labor unions - representing public and private sector workers - to protest plans for labor reforms and tax hikes.

Greece will be brought to a halt on Thursday as the country's biggest labor unions - representing public and private sector workers - have announced a 24-hour general strike to protest plans for labor reforms and tax hikes.

The action will also disrupt transport as buses and trolley will be out of service from 9 a.m until 9 p.m., when the shift ends. 

Trade unions decided not to organize protest rallies on May 1, Labor Day in Serbia, due to the fact the holiday coincided with this year's Orthodox Easter.

However, they issued statements announcing their "continued struggle for the rights of workers and their improved standard of living."

Bulgarian interior ministry officials are preparing to stage protests against the proposed amendments to the Interior Ministry Act.

Trade unions are not agreeing with around 30 % of the amendments offered by the team of Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova.

The Hellenic Seamen’s Union has declared a 24h strike on 20 and 21 January against the reforms to the social security system.

The executive committee of the union also decided to call another 24h strike escalating their mobilisations. The date of the strike will be decided at a new meeting.