site.btaNo Progress in Talks Between Sofia Mayor, Striking Transport Workers

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with representatives of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), who are backing the ongoing public transport strike in Sofia, Mayor Vassil Terziev said that no actual negotiations had taken place - only a restatement of each side's position.

“We simply reaffirmed our respective stances,” Terziev said on Monday morning. “I reiterated why I believe the proposal I have made is the right one and how it addresses the core issues we are facing,” he explained.

Regarding the upcoming matriculation exams, Terziev assured the public that the necessary transport arrangements have already been made. “No child will be left without a way to reach their exam location,” the mayor confirmed.

Earlier in the day, Terziev emphasized that he expects more than just demands from the unions - he wants concrete details and long-term planning: “We are talking about a multi-year framework. They need to explain what exactly they plan to achieve, and how, without breaking the transport system or other public services in the city.”

The mayor criticized what he called the unions’ “unfounded” wage demands, noting they originally proposed a BGN 400 pay raise without providing supporting data or identifying funding sources. He said even a reduced demand of BGN 300 remained unjustified: “They have not considered all the consequences, and more importantly, have not addressed the two core issues – the shortage of drivers and maintenance staff.”

Terziev also highlighted his proposal to raise wages for drivers and service staff in the electric and motor transport sectors by BGN 500–600 via a performance-based bonus system. “At the end of the day, what matters is what people take home at the end of the month,” he said.

When asked who the “hostage” in the current situation is, Terziev responded: “It is not us – it is the people of Sofia, who cannot get around, cannot work, cannot live normally.”

The mayor reiterated his earlier proposal – a BGN 100 base salary increase for all transport workers, plus a 100% increase in performance bonuses for electric and motor transport employees. However, he warned that this would result in a BGN 55 million deficit in the transport budget.

“We need a broader perspective. What can realistically be done to solve the chronic issues: the lack of drivers, outdated rolling stock, and poor infrastructure? These all require resources, and the city’s budget is not unlimited – it cannot all be directed to transport,” Terziev warned.

“There must be clear answers on where the funding will come from, and whether we are risking the creation of a systemic issue – a major injustice. Imagine if every profession started blocking intersections or walking off the job. As I have said before, I am ready to negotiate all day – but only after surface transport is restored so that the people of Sofia do not continue to suffer,” Terziev said prior to the meeting.