17 February, 2014A proposed bill to amend and supplement the Labour Code has been submitted to the National Assembly in Bulgaria in violation of the statutory procedure for prior consultation with social partners, triggering a strong reaction from trade unions.
During recent months Bulgarian unions have been witnessing newed attacks against labour legislation, reflected in a set of proposals for major changes put forward by representatives of employers’ organisations.
In a drive to “stop the excessive administrative pressure on business”, the Government has submitted a draft bill which, if passed, would weaken workers’ rights and social protection.
In particular unions denounce Government plans to revise the regulations governing relationships between employers, workers and supervisory bodies, and attempts to deregulate the labour market further.
The unions also warn that some of the proposals would accelerate the development of temporary work agencies and increase precarious work in Bulgaria, and they have voiced deep concern about the lack of genuine social dialogue and consultation on the draft bill.
Over the past few years, the Bulgarian Government has introduced a number of so-called reforms of labour legislation and trade unions have made specific proposals aiming at better protection of employee rights.
IndustriALL Global Union has expressed its solidarity with its Bulgarian affiliates in their fight to resist the attacks on workers’ rights against a backdrop of hard times in the country and union demands for safe and secure jobs, and a sustainable future for industry in Bulgaria.
“Your fight is our common fight,” said Jyrki Raina, General Secretary in his letter addressed to the Bulgarian affiliates. “You can rest assured that IndustriALL Global Union stands by your side in the struggle against attempts to revise regulations governing employment relations, and lack of genuine social dialogue.”