site.btaCITUB Says Employer Confederation's Intentions to Suspend Dialogue with Trade Unions Raise Concerns about Violation of Democratic Practices

The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) issued a statement on Sunday in response to a position released earlier in the day by the Confederation of Industrialists and Employers in Bulgaria (KRIB). “All our proposals, including those aimed at fair taxation, have been subject to thorough public and expert discussions for years, as we believe this is the democratic path to protecting the public interest. Calls to end social dialogue stand on the opposite ground and raise serious concerns about violations of democratic practices,” CITUB said.

In the context of ongoing debates on tax policy, CITUB reaffirmed its consistent position in favor of restructuring the tax burden - rather than simply increasing it mechanically.

“The main goal of our proposals is to increase the disposable income of people with low and middle incomes, as it is their consumption that is the primary driver of economic growth,” the statement reads. CITUB stressed that it does not seek to pit workers against employers, but rather sees itself as a “partner in difficult times, when joint solutions are needed for the benefit of the economy and society.”

“It is important to emphasize that CITUB has always been an active and responsible social partner, including in terms of supporting businesses during crises and transitional periods,” the union added.

CITUB also expressed concern over KRIB’s stated intention to “prioritize other trade unions in collective bargaining,” calling it a move that contradicts the Constitution, European and international conventions and directives, and constitutes pressure on employers and an infringement on workers’ rights to choose their own representation.

“Freedom of association and collective bargaining are fundamental rights and cannot be rearranged based on interests. CITUB has always defended both the public and the real sector, and collective bargaining at the enterprise and sectoral levels is essential for both people and businesses. It should not be used as a tool for organizational rivalry,” CITUB stated.

CITUB extended an invitation to KRIB and all nationally representative employer organizations, as well as the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour, for an in-depth discussion on these and other key issues.