site.btaProtesting Forestry Workers to Block Trakia Motorway, Calling for Better Pay and Working Conditions

Workers and from state forestry and game farms will stage a protest at 10 am on Monday and block the Trakia Motorway, the Federation of Trade Unions in Forestry and Woodworking Industries with the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) said. The protest is expected to completely halt traffic in both directions of the highway.

Protesters are demanding the stabilization of the state enterprises under Article 163 of the Forestry Act, higher wages across the sector, and safe working conditions.

According to the federation, an annual state subsidy of approximately BGN 100 million is needed to support the socially significant functions assigned to state forestry enterprises under the Forestry Act.

"Securing these funds would stabilize the state enterprises, which are currently operating at a loss of millions due to fulfilling their legal obligations and the declining demand for timber—their main source of revenue," the federation said in a statement. "Sales prices for timber are falling daily. There is also a shrinking market for firewood used for heating, as government programs promote alternative heating devices such as air conditioners, heat pumps, and pellet boilers instead of traditional solid fuel stoves."

The union warns that unless immediate action is taken, the financial instability of the state forestry sector will continue to worsen.

The trade union has called on the government to implement a proposal by Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov, to raise wages in state forestry enterprises and their regional divisions by an average of 15% effective from June 1. The proposal was made during a meeting with union representatives on June 30.

Under the proposal, base salaries up to BGN 2,000 would increase by 20%, while those above BGN 2,000 would see a 10% rise.

The federation is also pushing for a reclassification of the job category for field workers—from third to second class. In addition to their regular forestry duties, many of these employees are actively involved in firefighting, forest protection, and enforcement, including safeguarding private forest lands of up to 2 hectares.

Union leaders are also calling for the provision of high-quality field uniforms and formal service attire.

If their demands are not met by July 14, the federation has warned of effective strike actions, including refusal by forestry workers to participate in wildfire suppression efforts across the country.

On July 10, a protest rally took place in the town of Kresna with demands for decent pay. Although the protesters eventually dispersed, they declared their firm intention to continue their protest actions in the days ahead.