Public transport services in Sofia are set to come to a standstill for one hour on Friday, as employees and trade unions protest the delayed implementation of a promised bonus system for workers in the municipal transport sector.
The strike is expected to involve hundreds of workers who have expressed dissatisfaction with the failure to introduce the bonus program, which was supposed to take effect on October 1.
The protest, organized by workers and trade unions from Sofia’s municipal transport companies, highlights growing frustration over unfulfilled commitments.
They argue that the bonus system was a long-awaited measure designed to improve their financial stability. If their demands are not met, the strike will proceed as planned, halting all public transportation services in the capital for one hour.
Speaking to the protesters, Deputy Mayor for Transport Iliyan Pavlov sought to reassure the workers that the bonus system would be introduced by the end of the year.
Pavlov emphasized that there is no disagreement regarding the introduction of the system, as it had been developed collaboratively with the unions.
However, he noted that more discussions are needed to ensure that the system is aligned with objective needs and performance indicators.
“The bonus system is not a matter of dispute, but its implementation must be properly evaluated to meet the realistic needs of employees and the municipality,” Pavlov explained, acknowledging the workers’ concerns.
In addition to the internal issues surrounding the bonus system, Pavlov highlighted the financial burden that the state has placed on Sofia Municipality.
According to the Deputy Mayor, the state owes approximately 40 million leva to the municipality for this year alone.
The state had required municipalities to offer free or discounted transport cards to specific passenger categories, such as students, pensioners, and people with disabilities, with the promise of reimbursing the resulting deficit.
However, the delayed reimbursement has left the Sofia Municipality facing financial challenges, which has complicated the implementation of the bonus system.
Pavlov made it clear that the municipality is waiting for clarity from the government regarding its financial obligations.
“Once we have a better understanding of the state’s financial commitment to Sofia and other municipalities, we can make precise calculations for both the bonus system for 2024 and the budget for the upcoming year,” Pavlov said, underscoring the importance of the state’s role in resolving the issue.
The protest, while brief, is expected to significantly disrupt public transport in the city. Buses, trams, and the metro are all expected to stop running for one hour, causing delays and inconvenience for passengers.
Trade unions have indicated that if the bonus system is not swiftly implemented, further strikes and disruptions may follow.
This ongoing tension between transport workers, the Sofia Municipality, and the state comes amid broader concerns over Bulgaria’s economic stability and the financial health of its public sectors.
As the city braces for Friday’s protest, many residents are anxiously awaiting a resolution that will restore both public services and trust in municipal commitments.