site.btaOver 85% of Coal Region Workers Would Stay in Energy Sector if Possible - Trade Union

More than 85% of participants in a labour survey conducted in coal regions would remain employed in the energy sector if given the opportunity, said here on Monday Ognyan Atanasov, Vice President of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB). Over 60% of those surveyed said they would accept a different job within the same enterprise if it matched their skills or was supported by training.

The results come from a study on skills and development attitudes among employees of thermal power plants (TPPs) and coal mines in the regions of Stara Zagora, Pernik, and Kyustendil. The survey covered 13,409 workers directly employed in the coal industry, including 12,460 workers in the three regions, representing about 92.9% of the actual workforce there. The research, carried out in April 2024 under the Human Resources Development Programme (2021-2027), was implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy in partnership with CITUB, the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour, the National Statistical Institute, and the National Employment Agency. The survey will continue until the end of 2025.

Stara Zagora (South Central Bulgaria) shows the highest mobility, with 46.9% willing to commute daily, compared to only 11.4% in Pernik (Southwestern Bulgaria). Mobility interest is minimal in Pernik and Kyustendil (Western Bulgaria), underscoring the need for different approaches in each region.

Around 18% to 22% of workers in Kyustendil and Stara Zagora expressed interest in improving technical skills, while in Pernik the share is 15%. Interest in foreign language courses was highest in Stara Zagora (39.8%). Popular training courses include machine operation, solar panel installation, and chemical laboratory analysis. There is also significant demand for specific digital skills, especially in Stara Zagora (10.6%). Basic digital skills are sought less, with the highest interest in Kyustendil (9.5%) and Stara Zagora (6.2%).

Approximately 23% of households in Stara Zagora and 18.7% in Kyustendil have more than one member employed in the coal sector, indicating that over one-fifth of respondents face a potential double loss of income, increasing the risk of dual unemployment if facilities close.

The study highlights wage differences across regions. In Pernik, 43% of workers earn a gross monthly salary between BGN 1,501 and 2,000. Salaries above BGN 2,500 are received by up to 8% of workers in Pernik, while nearly 24% in Stara Zagora earn over BGN 3,500. These disparities may affect economic well-being and motivation for training and professional development, the report notes.

Analysts warn that enterprises face significant employment risks.

A critical issue is the age structure of the workforce. Over 53% of employees are over 50 years old, and 81% are over 40. Within five years, 17.7% of respondents in Stara Zagora, 24.6% in Kyustendil, and 19.6% in Pernik will be eligible for retirement. Workers already of retirement age make up 13.8% in Kyustendil and 13% in Pernik, with the smallest share of retired workers in Stara Zagora.

The analysis recommends regular and transparent communication about the energy transition, training focused on practical skills, support for young and pre-retirement workers, and local economic development through attracting new investors.