Sofia, Bulgaria: In a bold move that could disrupt the festive cheer during the Christmas holidays, Plamen Dimitrov, the president of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITU), has issued a stern warning of a potential public transport shutdown in Sofia.
Speaking exclusively to Nova TV, Dimitrov detailed the unions’ preparedness for decisive strike actions, unveiling plans for a warning motorcade poised to paralyze the capital for approximately two hours in the afternoon.
The fate of the impending public transport strike hinges on the response from management, Dimitrov emphasized during the interview.
The unions’ demands, described as “logical, understandable, and achievable,” centre around the crucial need for an infusion of around 40 million BGN to address wage increases in public transport systems spanning Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and other major cities.
With unwavering determination, Dimitrov conveyed the seriousness of their intent to carry out strike actions, particularly in Sofia, if their demands were not promptly met.
The imminent budget committee meeting, scheduled for 1:00 p.m., is touted as a pivotal moment. Dimitrov underscores that management’s response would significantly influence the unions’ course of action in the coming days.
As a precursor to the potential public transport shutdown, a warning motorcade featuring an impressive fleet of over 1,000 cars is set to take place tomorrow. Commencing at 10:00 a.m.
from Largoto, the planned route is strategically designed to weave through critical areas of Sofia, causing substantial disruptions to traffic flow for an estimated two and a half hours.
Dimitrov clarified that the motorcade serves as a tangible manifestation of union discontent, a precursor of more extensive protests should the budgetary demands go unmet.
The unions’ resolve is palpable, and their coordinated actions underscore the gravity of the situation.
The looming crisis places the public transport system, a lifeline for many residents, in the crossfire of a battle for fair wages.
With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, the potential shutdown adds an air of uncertainty to the festivities as citizens brace for possible disruptions to their daily routines.
As negotiations hang in the balance, all eyes are on the budget committee meeting, where the fate of the proposed wage increases will be determined.
The coming days promise to be critical, with the city’s commuters anxiously awaiting news of whether their public transport system will grind to a halt amid the holiday season.
In a city already adorned with festive decorations, the spectre of a transport shutdown casts a shadow over Sofia, leaving residents and authorities alike on edge as they grapple with the impending outcome of this labour dispute.
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