site.btaSofia Mayor Terziev Urges Striking Transport Workers to Resume Services, Cites Need for Sustainable Solutions

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev has invited members of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), who represent the striking public transport workers in the capital, to a meeting at Sofia City Hall on Monday morning.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the talks with CITUB, Terziev said: “From what I have seen, there is no surface public transport running at all. You know my position. I have also heard they have no intention of resuming service even for the matriculation exams, which means the children will end up paying the price for our stalled dialogue. Regardless, I will invite some of the union colleagues to reaffirm my stance and to try and chart a path forward.”

Ahead of the meeting, CITUB Vice President Todor Kapitanov said: “We are here to show that we are open to dialogue, to talks, and to finding a solution.”

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.”

In response to concerns about how students in Sofia will reach their schools for upcoming matriculation exams, Terziev said the municipality had already analyzed the number of students affected during previous transport disruptions. “We are working closely with the Education Ministry and the Regional Education Department to ensure that every child gets to school. Taxi companies and volunteers are stepping in. We will not let children suffer because of our failure to reach an agreement,” he stressed.

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 concluded.