site.btaCITUB Union Fires Back at Employers Over “Political Protest” Accusations

The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) fired back at employers over “political protest” accusations. "It is not politics, but a democratic right for workers to defend their income," CITUB said on Wednesday. The statement was made in connection with the position of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (CEIBG) on the protests over the 2026 state budget.

CITUB took offence at the allegation that it is holding protests together with political parties and aiming to achieve political goals. CEIBG had stated that is not a political organization and cannot protest with political and party goals, "unlike other organizations such as CITUB".

CITUB therefore demanded to know which protests exactly are intended by CEIBG, whether those for higher incomes and a decent life, or those of employer organizations for state compensation for electricity, which CITUB has supported.

"Which party has used our nearly 300,000 members for its purposes?", CITUB stated, adding that they invite anyone who claims that these people are fulfilling party goals to their next protest, so that they can tell them so in person. "It is very easy to label someone. It is difficult to take real action and achieve real results for people," CITUB stressed.

On Monday, the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions organized a protest in front of the National Assembly in Sofia, as well as in several cities across Bulgaria, demanding a higher increase in the salaries of workers in the public sector. A protest by employers' organizations is also planned for Wednesday.