site.btaSubsidized Sectors Left Out of 5% Salary Increase Scheme Plan Protests

The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) is organizing protests to take place in several cities across the country between March 9 and 12. Demonstrations are expected from public transport workers in Sofia, Varna and Ruse and employees of Bulgarian Posts and the Road Infrastructure Agency, CITUB’s press centre reported on Thursday.

The union calls for a legislative solution to secure a 5% increase from the state budget for base salaries in the subsidized sectors, which, according to CITUB, did not receive an increase in the first version of the budget extension law.

On March 9, employees of Bulgarian Posts will stop work on the day when, according to the schedule for this month, pensions are due to be distributed. At 7:30am they will gather in front of post offices in protest and will not serve customers. Their demand is to secure funding for at least a 5% increase in base salaries retroactive to January 1. The required resources amount to EUR 2.42 million, CITUB said.

On the same day, public transport employees in Varna will also protest. They will hold a protest motorcade and block the Asparuhov Bridge, starting at 11:00am, followed by a rally from 12:00 pm. to 6:00pm. The workers are demanding funding for at least a 5% increase in base salaries retroactive to January 1, 2026. The necessary resources amount to EUR 1.3 million.

A protest by public transport workers in Ruse will take place on March 10. The action will begin at 9:00am and continue until 6:00pm. Traffic on part of the city’s bus routes will be blocked. Workers of Public Transport Ruse are demanding funds from the state budget for at least a 5% increase in base salaries retroactive to January 1, 2026. According to the union, EUR 550,000 is required.

The protest of public transport workers in Sofia will take place on March 11. Invitations have been sent to the prime minister, the finance minister and the mayor of Sofia to visit the Tramcar division of Sofia Electrotransport and personally familiarize themselves with the working conditions. The union said that a total of EUR 8.38 million from the state budget is needed to increase the wages of workers in the capital’s public transport system retroactive to January 1.

On March 12, employees of the Road Infrastructure Agency will block the Pass of the Republic (Hainboaz) in the Balkan Range between 12:00pm and 6:00pm. They are demanding an additional 5% increase in base salaries and guarantees for its long-term sustainability beyond the period of the budget extension law.

CITUB also warned of growing discontent in the Executive Environment Agency and the Environment and Water Ministry. "In this connection, possible protest actions by employees are being discussed, and additional information will be provided," the press release said.